Kathmandu, February 19. Amidst growing tensions with Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved for test of ballistic missiles. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov revealed to media that the decision was authorized by Putin.

At the control center, Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko viewed ballistic missile test launches.

The strategic deterrence drills were planned, according to the Russian Defense Ministry, with maneuvers including the Russian Aerospace Forces, Southern Military District units, Strategic Missile Forces, and the Northern and Black Sea fleets.

Ukraine mobilizes troops in fears of invasion from Russia

Separatist forces in eastern Ukraine have called for mobilization of military troops as fears of invasion by Russia has grown immensely. Separatists from Donetsk region have made statements urging the public to take out weapons to achieve the “victory that we all need”.

According to an article in the AP, rebels have started evacuating civilians into Russia, a move in which Moscow wants to present Ukraine as an aggressive state.

US President Biden has said that Putin has already made his decision to invade Ukraine and assault the capital Kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris at the Munich Security Conference. If Russia occupies Ukraine, Harris has warned that it will face “unprecedented” financial implications.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted that they are committed to resolve conflict through diplomatic mediums.