Russia tests public emergency alert system

MOSCOW

The Russian Emergency Ministry launched on Wednesday a large-scale test of its public emergency alert system, as the West considers delivering long-range weapons to Ukraine, where Moscow launched a "special military operation" two years ago.

The broadcast of TV channels and radio shows was interrupted to warn the population to stay calm and follow the authorities' instructions, while sirens blared in the streets.

The Emergency Ministry said it carries out such exercises to check emergency public warning systems "regularly," "to make sure that all systems will work properly in case of emergencies." The latest drill was the largest since February 2022.

Ukraine says it needs long-range missiles and other ammunition to repel Russian troops.

While French President Emmanuel Macron said sending ground troops to aid Kyiv cannot be ruled out, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is said to be under pressure to send the long-range Taurus missiles, which have a range of up to 500 km, to Ukraine.

The German government has been under pressure since a 38-minute audio recording of an intercepted online call between senior German military officials about how to support Ukraine in its fight against Moscow was leaked to the media.

The discussion included the possible delivery of Taurus missiles to Ukraine, and their potential use to destroy the Kerch Bridge connecting Crimea to Russia.