Russia tests new military might

MOSCOW, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin sailed the Barents Sea Tuesday observing Russia's biggest military exercises since Soviet times.

"Nuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles will be fired from land and from a nuclear submarine in the Barents Sea; strategic bombers will fly simulated combat missions and fire long-range cruise missiles; Army, Air Force, Navy and airborne conventional forces will also be involved," military commentator Pavel Felgenhauer wrote in the Moscow Times Tuesday.

"The war game is very Soviet in style snd content, acting out a possible confrontation with the United States and its allies," Felgenhauer wrote.

Putin's high profile involvement is expected to further boost his popularity less than a month before the Russian presidential election March 14, which he is expected to win by a landslide.