"Russia Launches Large-Scale Nuclear Drills During Putin's Visit to China"

Over 60,000 Troops Participate

The Russian military is conducting large-scale nuclear drills during President Vladimir Putin's visit to China.

According to France 24 on May 19 (local time), the Russian armed forces began a three-day exercise, from today through the 21st, simulating a scenario in which Russia faces the threat of invasion, focusing on the preparation and use of nuclear weapons.

The Associated Press Yonhap News

Strategic forces equipped with nuclear delivery systems, including the Strategic Missile Forces, the Northern and Pacific Fleets, and the Long-Range Aviation Command, as well as military districts such as Leningrad and Central, are participating in the exercise.

More than 60,000 personnel and over 7,800 types of military equipment, including more than 200 missile launchers, are expected to be mobilized for this drill. The exercise will also include ballistic and cruise missile launches.

Russia's Ministry of Defense stated that the aim of these nuclear drills is "to enhance the capabilities of command and operational personnel in the process of preparing and executing deterrence measures against potential adversaries, and to strengthen the command and control systems of subordinate units."

The ministry added that the drills will also focus on joint exercises and practical operations involving nuclear weapons deployed in Belarus, Russia's ally. Russia has previously deployed hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missiles such as the Oreshnik in Belarus.

The previous day, the Belarusian Ministry of Defense announced that it would begin joint military drills with Russia involving strategic nuclear assets, stating that the exercises would include practicing readiness for the operation of "special munitions," namely nuclear warheads and related weapons.

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