Russia announces test of Yars ballistic missile to scare West, force it to cut Ukraine aid - ISW

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) report states this.

It is noted that on March 1, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that Russian forces conducted a successful combat training launch of the RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) equipped with a multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV).

In addition, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized during his address to the Federal Assembly on February 29 that Russia possesses weapons that can strike at Western countries. 

ISW experts emphasize that the Kremlin frequently uses nuclear saber-rattling to instill fear in Western audiences and weaken Western support for Ukraine.

According to analysts, Russia's use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine and beyond is unlikely.

Reference. Yars or RS-24 is a strategic complex based on a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile. It was adopted by the Russian Federation in 2009. The complex is equipped with a warhead that separates into 3 to 6 combat blocks, depending on the modification, each of which can hit a different target. The missile's flight speed is allegedly up to 14 Ma, and its explosive power is equivalent to a million tons. 

• The day before, it was reported that the Russian Strategic Missile Forces plan to launch seven intercontinental ballistic missiles in 2024.