Russia carried out large scale nuclear force drills on Wednesday under the direct supervision of President Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin confirmed. The exercises, which included simulated missile launches, took place as a planned summit between Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump was put on hold amid disagreements over a ceasefire in Ukraine.

According to the Kremlin, the purpose of the exercises was to assess the reliability and coordination of Russia’s strategic command and control systems. General Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff, briefed Putin via video link during the drills, noting that the maneuvers were designed to “practice the protocols for authorizing the use of nuclear weapons.”

State media reported that the exercises involved Russia’s strategic missile forces, the navy, and long range aviation units, signaling a show of readiness amid heightened global tensions. The drills come at a sensitive moment, following Moscow’s rejection of an immediate ceasefire proposal in Ukraine and amid stalled peace efforts involving the United States and European nations.

The Kremlin insisted that the exercise was routine and not directed at any specific country, though Western analysts view it as a message of deterrence amid the ongoing conflict and strained relations with Washington.