This story was originally published by the WND News Center.

There long have been concerns about Russia's massive stockpile of nuclear weapons, and the isolated regime's ultimate intent for them.

Those worries reached new heights during 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine and some Russian leaders actually started openly discussing the possibility of their use. Then there reportedly were movements of some of those weapons into proximity to Ukraine.

Now, if possible, those watching for signs of a potential nuclear conflict are even more alarmed, given that Russia has confirmed it is planning to hold "nationwide exercises" in the coming weeks specifically to prepare for "the danger of armed conflicts involving nuclear powers."

It is Newsweek that described the looming events as "large-scale drills." And it cited reports from the Baza Telegram channel, which is linked to Russia's security services.

Newsweek explained the events, apparently starting as early as Oct. 3, would be the first time for Moscow to hold this type of drill. The outline for the practice events would be that some there is martial law over at least some parts of Russia and two-thirds of the housing facilities have been under attack, even destroyed.

Baza also reported there would be assumed the possibility of radioactive contamination.

Participating in the "war games" scenario would be "civil defense leaders" as well as "heads of state corporations."

Newsweek explained tensions over the looming possibility, even probability, of the use of nukes have "skyrocketed" since the conflict with Ukraine turned into a "full-scale war."

Russian officials themselves have alluded to the deployment of tactical nukes and worse.

The report said Russia's nuclear deterrence forces have been on high alert since early last year when President Putin ordered them to that status.

Prominent Russian officials, such as former President Dmitry Medvedev, and Russian state television commentators have frequently mentioned the prospect of nuclear war. Some state media hosts and guests have suggested that Moscow should launch nuclear strikes on countries, such as the U.S. and UK, that are supporting Kyiv's war effort," the report explained.

Observers say the world now likely is as close to "global catastrophe" as it ever has been, as Putin has pulled Russia out of the New START nuclear arms control treaty.

Some Western analysts contend that Russia clearly has no concern over how many innocent people would die, but still considers its arms "most effective" when they are used as a threat.