MOSCOW, May 19: Russia on Tuesday launched large-scale nuclear force exercises involving practice launches of nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles amid a rise in Ukrainian drone attacks.
According to Russia’s Defence Ministry, the three-day drills involve about 64,000 troops, more than 200 missile launchers, over 140 aircraft, 73 warships and 13 submarines, including eight carrying nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missiles.
The exercises are aimed at testing the “preparation and use of nuclear forces under the threat of aggression” and will also include coordination with Belarus, which hosts Russian nuclear weapons, including the Oreshnik intermediate-range missile system.
The drills come as Ukraine has intensified drone strikes inside Russia, including recent attacks near Moscow that killed three people and damaged infrastructure.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has frequently highlighted Russia’s nuclear capabilities since the Ukraine war began in 2022, warning the West against increasing military support for Kyiv.
The exercises coincide with Putin’s two-day visit to China and follow Russia’s recent test of the new Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile.
Moscow has also warned European countries against supporting Ukrainian drone operations. (AP)
