The Russian Ministry of Defense has announced the start of large-scale nuclear exercises.
The drills, scheduled to run from May 19 to 21, involve more than 64,000 military personnel and over 7,800 units of weapons and military equipment. Participating forces include the Strategic Missile Troops, the Pacific Fleet, and the Northern Fleet.
“Special attention will be paid to working through issues of joint preparation and employment of nuclear weapons deployed on the territory of the Republic of Belarus,” the Ministry of Defense stated.
The exercises are aimed at maintaining the readiness of nuclear deterrence forces to carry out assigned tasks, as well as at testing the ability of the Armed Forces of Russia and Belarus to conduct joint operations under conditions of possible nuclear weapons use.
According to the defense ministry, the drills will focus on developing practical skills in the preparation and employment of non-strategic nuclear weapons, as well as command and communications procedures in a complex military-political environment.
The Ministry of Defense emphasizes that these are planned exercises; however, they are being conducted against the backdrop of a deteriorating international situation and continued pressure from NATO member states.