Russia holds nuclear drills, Ukraine seeks Swedish jets

Russia said on Wednesday it had conducted a major training exercise involving nuclear arms, a day after the US announced a delay in plans for a second summit between presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin on the war in Ukraine.

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The Kremlin released video showing General Valery Gerasimov, head of the General Staff, reporting to Putin on the drills.

Russia said it fired missiles from ground launchers, submarines and aircraft, including intercontinental ballistic weapons capable of striking the United States.

In a further show of strength, Russia's Defence Ministry said its long-range Tu-22M3 strategic bombers flew over the Baltic Sea, escorted at various points by fighter jets from foreign - presumably Nato - states.

On Wednesday, Sweden said it had signed a letter of intent to export Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine, as European governments act to boost Kyiv's defences in a war that has ground on for three years and eight months since Russia's full-scale invasion, and shows no sign of ending soon.

Ukrainian pilots have been in Sweden to test the Gripen, a rugged and relatively low-cost option compared to aircraft such as the US F-35.

Kyiv aimed to receive and start using Gripens next year and expected to acquire at least 100, President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a visit to Swedish defence manufacturer Saab.