Russian Defense Minister: "US Bombers Conducting Russian Nuclear Attack Drills This Month"

"Training for Nuclear Weapon Use Near Border" Pointed Out
"Cooperation Between Russia and China Needed" Emphasized

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has sparked controversy by claiming during talks with Chinese defense officials that U.S. strategic bombers conducted nuclear attack simulation exercises targeting Russia. This move is interpreted as an effort to strengthen joint responses and expedite the formation of a military alliance amid escalating diplomatic and military tensions with the United States.

According to Russia's TASS news agency on the 23rd (local time), Defense Minister Shoigu stated during a video conference with Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe, "In recent months, about 30 flights of U.S. strategic bombers have taken place near the Russian border, which is approximately 2.5 times more than the same period last year," adding, "The U.S. bombers conducted training involving the use of nuclear weapons at a close distance of about 20 km from the Russian border."

The training Shoigu referred to is believed to be the Global Thunder exercise conducted by the U.S. Strategic Command starting from the 1st of this month. This annual exercise in the U.S. is designed to check nuclear forces and mainly includes training involving the three major nuclear forces: strategic bombers, ballistic missiles, and nuclear submarines.

Shoigu further pointed out, "There has been a significant increase in the number of flights by U.S. bombers near Russia's eastern border. In the Sea of Okhotsk alone, U.S. Air Force strategic bombers flew 22 times last year," noting that this is a marked increase compared to three flights in 2019. He added that during these flights, U.S. bomber crews conducted simulated missile attack exercises using cruise missiles.

Highlighting the threat posed by the U.S., Shoigu emphasized the urgent need for cooperation between Russia and China. He said, "China and Russia have been strategic partners for many years," and added, "In the face of increasing geopolitical chaos and rising risks of conflicts in various regions worldwide, strengthening Russia-China cooperation is particularly timely."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.