Russia conducting 3 days of major nuclear drills
Russia has commenced three days of nuclear weapons drills involving thousands of troops amid escalating tensions with Ukraine. The exercises, which include testing ballistic and cruise missiles, come after the breakdown of a nuclear arms pact with the U.S. and are part of Russia's ongoing emphasis on its nuclear capabilities.
- ▪The drills involve more than 65,000 soldiers and 7,800 types of equipment and weapons.
- ▪Russia's defense ministry stated that the exercises are focused on the preparation and use of nuclear forces in response to potential aggression.
- ▪The drills also include issues related to the joint training and use of nuclear weapons deployed in Belarus.
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World Russia conducting 3 days of major nuclear drills May 19, 2026 / 6:04 AM EDT / AFP Add CBS News on Google Russia's army on Tuesday began three days of nuclear weapons drills involving thousands of troops across the country, as Kyiv escalates its drone attacks and with President Vladimir Putin headed to China. Throughout its more than four-year offensive in Ukraine, Moscow has flaunted its possession of nuclear weapons and repeatedly threatened to use them. The drills also come months after the last nuclear arms pact between Russia and Washington broke down and amid a spate of comments from Putin touting the prowess of Moscow's nuclear forces.
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