Kenneth Glad
A major military exercise is unfolding at a dangerous moment in the war. Officials on both sides have reported fresh attacks across several regions.
Moscow began the drills as Putin arrived in China for talks with Xi Jinping focused on strategic ties, economic cooperation and major international issues, placing the nuclear exercise against a broader diplomatic backdrop.
According to Digi24, the drills began earlier today and are scheduled to run through May 21.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said the training concerns preparation for the possible use of nuclear weapons if the country faces an aggression threat.
DW separately reported a new wave of overnight drone and missile attacks, with Ukraine saying Russia launched more than 500 drones and over 20 missiles at multiple regions.
Belarus role
NBC News writes that the maneuvers involve 64,000 troops, more than 200 missile launchers, over 140 aircraft, 73 surface warships and 13 submarines.
The exercise also includes practice launches of nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles.
Belarusian authorities said the training is “not directed against third countries and does not pose a threat to regional security.”
Russian officials said the drills also cover coordination involving nuclear weapons deployed in Belarus, a Moscow ally bordering Ukraine and NATO members Poland, Lithuania and Latvia.
Drone pressure
DW states that Ukrainian officials said civilians were wounded in the latest Russian strikes, including children. Deaths were also reported in Chernihiv and Sumy.
Local authorities said port infrastructure in Izmail was damaged, while other attacks were reported in Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv.
Russia reported Ukrainian drone activity as well. DW cited Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin as saying four drones approaching the capital were intercepted.
Russian regional officials also reported attacks in Kursk, Rostov and Yaroslavl, where an industrial site caught fire.
Nuclear message
The timing gives the drills greater military significance. Since launching the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Vladimir Putin has repeatedly pointed to Russia’s nuclear arsenal while warning Western governments against deeper involvement.
The exercise follows the February expiration of New START, the last treaty limiting Russian and American nuclear arsenals.
Vladimir Putin revised Russia’s nuclear doctrine in 2024. Under that doctrine, a conventional attack on Russia backed by a nuclear power could be treated as a joint attack.
The exercise does not mean nuclear weapons are about to be used. But with Putin in China for talks on Russia’s partnership with Beijing, the drills add a nuclear backdrop to a week already marked by expanding drone attacks and stalled diplomacy over Ukraine.
Sources: Digi24, DW, NBC News
