MOSCOW: Russia on Tuesday launched large-scale nuclear weapons exercises involving thousands of troops across the country, as tensions with Ukraine continue to escalate and President Vladimir Putin prepares for a visit to China.
According to Russia’s defence ministry, the drills will run from May 19 to 21 and are aimed at practising the preparation and potential use of nuclear forces in response to what Moscow described as a threat of aggression.
Throughout the more than four-year conflict in Ukraine, Russia has repeatedly highlighted its nuclear capabilities and issued warnings regarding the possible use of atomic weapons.
The exercises come months after the collapse of the New START treaty between Moscow and Washington, effectively removing the final major restrictions governing the world’s two largest nuclear arsenals.
Russia’s defence ministry said the drills involve more than 65,000 military personnel along with 7,800 units of military equipment and weaponry, including over 200 missile launchers.
Russian forces
The exercises will also include aircraft, warships, submarines and nuclear submarines, while Russian forces are expected to conduct test launches of ballistic and cruise missiles during the manoeuvres.
Moscow said the drills would additionally cover joint training related to nuclear weapons stationed in neighbouring Belarus.
Russia has previously deployed the nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system to Belarus, a close Russian ally bordering NATO member states.
The announcement of the military exercises came only hours before President Putin was scheduled to depart for a two-day visit to China.
Russia has increasingly relied on strategic military signalling amid growing hostilities with Ukraine, including recent waves of drone attacks launched by Kyiv against Russian territory.
