Both the United States and Russia are testing their emergency alert channels

U.S., Russia test emergency alert systems on same day as nuke tensions grow. (WTVO) — Both the United States and Russia are testing their emergency alert channels Wednesday as tensions between the two countries grow over the fighting in Ukraine

Following Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow and other cities, the Russian Defense Ministry broadcast warnings on its TV stations declaring “Attention everyone! The readiness of the public warning system is being tested! Please remain calm!”

Sirens blared in cities across Russia on Wednesday morning. In some areas, schoolchildren practiced putting on gas masks.

President Vladimir Putin, who turns 71 on October 7th, has reportedly ordered large-scale drills that will simulate the country’s response to a nuclear attack, implementing martial law under a narrative that 70% of housing in the country has been destroyed.

“The main goal of the drills is to check our readiness for specific actions,” said emergencies minister Alexander Kurenkov who oversaw the drills.

The U.S. Federal Emergency Management System also tested its Emergency Alert System on Wednesday, sending text messages to cellular phone customers, and alerts over broadcast television.