May 19, 2026
World
World
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MOSCOW, May 19 — Russia has begun a three-day nuclear weapons exercise involving thousands of troops nationwide, as tensions in the Ukraine conflict continue to escalate.
The drills come as Kyiv increases its drone operations and as Russian President Vladimir Putin travels to China for an official visit.
According to the defence ministry, the exercises will run from May 19 to 21, 2026, and involve preparations for the use of nuclear forces in response to a potential threat of aggression.
Moscow said the drills include more than 65,000 troops and around 7,800 pieces of military equipment, including over 200 missile launchers, with participation from aircraft, naval vessels, submarines, and nuclear submarines. Ballistic and cruise missile test launches are also expected.
The ministry added that the exercise will also involve coordination and deployment of nuclear weapons stationed in Belarus.
The announcement comes months after the collapse of the New START arms control treaty between Russia and the United States, which had previously limited nuclear arsenals and inspections.
Russia has continued to highlight its nuclear capabilities throughout the Ukraine conflict and has issued repeated warnings regarding their potential use amid ongoing hostilities.
— AFP
