Russia launches intercontinental ballistic missile as part of nuclear drills

A Russian intercontinental missile is launched in a drill by Vladimir Putin's nuclear forces - as the threat level increases.

The Kremlin said Russia had successfully test-launched hypersonic and cruise missiles at sea and land-based targets during the exercises by Russia's nuclear forces.

The drills follow a huge series of manoeuvres by Russia's armed forces in the past four months that have included a build-up of troops - estimated by the West to number 150,000 or more - to the north, east and south of Ukraine.

Europe is closer to war than it has been for 70 years as Russia sits on the brink of launching a full scale invasion of Ukraine, a minister warned.

Armed Forces minister James Heappey said he fears "we are closer than we've been on this continent" to conflict since the opening days of the Cold War.