The nukes are ready.
While the world is reeling over the wars in Iran and in Ukraine, the movement behind the scenes is even more worrying.
With Europe in a rearmament fever, Russia and Belarus have kicked off a three-day, massive nuclear weapons drill involving thousands of troops across the country.
This comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin is headed to China.
⚡️ Russia begins nuclear drills
Russia’s Defense Ministry announced a two-day exercise on the preparation and use of nuclear forces from May 19 to May 21.
More than 64,000 troops and around 8,000 pieces of equipment will take part, including Strategic Missile Forces, as well as… https://t.co/bMrEy3m98Y pic.twitter.com/EyLPqIwp6c
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) May 19, 2026
CBS News reported:
“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.
‘From May 19 to 21, 2026, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation are conducting an exercise on the preparation and use of nuclear forces in the event of a threat of aggression’, the defense ministry said.”
❗️ Russia starts exercises on NUCLEAR forces activity
▪️ 200+ rocket launchers
▪️ 140+ aircrafts
▪️ 73+ warships
▪️ 13 submarinesThe exercises to last till May 21st pic.twitter.com/pBzXhjLNrj
— RT (@RT_com) May 19, 2026
“The drills will involve more than 65,000 soldiers and 7,800 types of equipment and weapons, including more than 200 missile launchers, the defense ministry said. Aircraft, ships, submarines and nuclear submarines will all take part.
The ministry said it would also test-launch ballistic and cruise missiles.”
Russia is holding a major combat exercise to practice preparing and using its nuclear forces at the same time as President Vladimir Putin travels to Beijing for talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping https://t.co/PUaugAOtcq
— Bloomberg (@business) May 19, 2026
Russia and Belarus stage nuclear drills
Belarus hosts Russian nuclear weapons as Moscow deploys nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system@susanmtehrani has more details pic.twitter.com/1FIY1Z9Wx4
— WION (@WIONews) May 18, 2026
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