Main image: Nuclear weapons. Illustrative purposes only
The Russian Armed Forces are conducting exercises from May 19 to May 21 focused on the preparation and use of nuclear forces “under conditions of a threat of aggression.”
This was announced by the Russian Ministry of Defense, according to the Russian service of BBC Russian Service.
The exercises are described as planned. They involve the Strategic Missile Forces, the Northern and Pacific Fleets, long-range aviation units, and elements of the Leningrad and Central Military Districts.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, more than 64,000 servicemen and over 7,800 pieces of equipment are taking part, including more than 200 missile launchers, over 140 aircraft, 73 surface ships, and 13 submarines.
The ministry also stated that the drills would include joint preparation and use of nuclear weapons stationed in the Republic of Belarus.
In Belarus, joint exercises with Russia involving military units responsible for the combat use of nuclear weapons and nuclear support also began on Monday, May 18.
The maneuvers are being conducted “to increase the armed forces’ readiness to use modern means of destruction, including special munitions.”
Commenting on the exercises, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus and the joint nuclear drills of the two dictatorships constitute an unprecedented challenge to the global security architecture and require a strong international response.
