Russia has begun large-scale nuclear weapons exercises involving tens of thousands of troops, even as President Vladimir Putin travels to China for a two-day official visit.
The Russian Defence Ministry said the three-day drills, running from May 19 to 21, are designed to test the readiness and deployment of nuclear forces in response to what it described as potential external threats.
Officials said the exercises involve more than 65,000 military personnel, thousands of weapons systems, missile launchers, aircraft, naval vessels, and nuclear-capable submarines. The drills also include ballistic and cruise missile test launches.
Moscow said the operation also involves coordination with Belarus, including training related to the use of nuclear weapons stationed on Belarusian territory.
The announcement comes amid rising tensions linked to the ongoing war in Ukraine and follows the collapse of the New START arms control treaty between Russia and the United States earlier this year.
Russian officials also confirmed that nuclear-capable systems, including the Oreshnik missile, have been deployed in Belarus, a close ally bordering NATO member states.
Ahead of his visit to China, Putin said Moscow and Beijing were not forming alliances against any third country but were instead deepening cooperation in areas including defence, economics, and global development.
He also reiterated Russia’s confidence in its strategic nuclear capabilities, highlighting recent missile tests and plans to expand deployment of advanced intercontinental systems.
Military analysts say the timing of the drills, alongside Putin’s diplomatic trip, underscores Moscow’s effort to project both military strength and geopolitical alignment with Beijing amid ongoing global tensions.
.jpeg)
.jpeg "Sunayen kofofin aljanna guda takwas 8")
0 Comment about the Post: