On the second day of Christmas.

On the second day of Christmas, on the 26th of December 2014, I was enjoying the good company of my wife and our son and his family.  Having a good time.

But not everyone was taking a day off.
In Russia they were busy testing the RS-24 Yars, an ICBM - or a InterContinental Ballistic Missile.
This solid fuel missile has a operating range of some 7500 miles !
And it is a mobile system ! 

Let it be said that they do not celebrate Christmas at the same time as we do in Western Europe. Since the Russian Orthodox church still use the Julian calender.
I believe there is a time difference of some 13 days.

So they did not do this testing of the RS-24 missile in between Christmas parties. 
When the test took place, they still had almost 2 weeks to get the Xmas presents.

President Putin stated, a month ago - in November - that these missiles can penetrate any missile shield !

I am not saying that this keeps me awake in the night - but Russian Federation, and Mr. Putin are really flexing their muscles.

Let us hope it stays with that - I wish you all a Happy New Year.