Putin flew in the Tupolev TU-160 bomber and took part in the launch of cruise missiles in the Arctic north.

In December, two nuclear-capable Tu-160 strategic bombers were sent to Venezuela as a highly visible demonstration of Russia's ability to intervene.

The Tupolev Tu-160s, known to Nato as Blackjacks, were monitored on Monday as they flew past Norway and Denmark and near the Netherlands.

Long-range Tu-95 and Tu-160 bombers fired four guided missiles that hit their targets on a testing range in the northwestern Komi region, it said.