Russia Begins Largest Nuclear Exercise in Years

Russia launched its largest nuclear exercises in years on Tuesday, mobilizing nearly 65,000 troops, over 200 missile launchers, 140 aircraft, 73 surface vessels and 13 submarines, including eight strategic nuclear submarines. The Russian Defense Ministry announced the maneuvers without prior public notice on May 19.

The exercises are scheduled to run through Thursday. The ministry described the drills as a rehearsal for the preparation and use of nuclear forces in the event of a threat of aggression. Units from the Strategic Missile Forces, the Northern and Pacific Fleets, Long-Range Aviation Command, and the Leningrad and Central Military Districts are participating.

Live launches of ballistic and cruise missiles at ranges inside Russia are planned.

Russia had not previously announced nuclear exercises for May.

Its annual strategic nuclear drill has traditionally been held in October since 2022. The last time Moscow staged a surprise nuclear exercise was in the summer of 2024. The exercises began as President Vladimir Putin traveled to Beijing for a two-day visit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

A new dimension is the explicit integration of Belarus. The Belarusian Defense Ministry announced its own parallel exercise on May 18.

Russia has stationed its Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile in Belarus since 2025. The exercises also follow a successful Sarmat ICBM test launch on May 12. Putin confirmed after that test that the Sarmat would be placed on combat duty at the end of the current year.

Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned in an interview with TASS that strategic risks are mounting and the danger of a head-on clash between NATO and Russia is increasing. Moscow has pointed to statements by Lithuania’s foreign minister about a potential strike on Kaliningrad as justification for the drills.

The Kremlin insists the drills are defensive in nature and directed at no specific country.