The Russian military on Tuesday began three days of military exercises with nuclear weapons involving thousands of soldiers across the country. This was announced by the Russian Ministry of Defense. The exercises will take place on May 19 to 21, informs TASR according to an AFP report.
- The Russian army is conducting nuclear exercises from May 19 to 21, 2026.
- Thousands of soldiers nationwide take part in exercises of the nuclear forces in Russia.
- The exercises simulate the preparation and use of nuclear forces under the threat of aggression.
- The nuclear maneuvers are taking place amid intensified Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia.
- Belarus has launched a parallel nuclear exercise, although it declares that it does not threaten neighboring states.
“From May 19 to 21, 2026, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation are conducting an exercise aimed at preparing and using nuclear forces in the event of a threat of aggression,” the Ministry of Defense in Moscow said in a statement.
The AFP agency reminds that Moscow’s nuclear maneuvers are taking place at a time when Kiev is escalating its drone strikes against Russia as Russian President Vladimir Putin heads for a two-day visit to China.
Meanwhile, Belarus also announced on Monday that launched a military exercise aimed at the use of nuclear weapons. According to Minsk, the maneuvers are not a security threat to the region or directed against any country. Belarus has Russia’s nuclear weapons on its territory, reminds the Reuters agency.
