From May 19 to 21, Russia executed its most significant nuclear weapons drill in several years, deploying over 65,000 personnel, more than 200 missile launch systems, 140 aircraft, 73 surface combat vessels, and 13 nuclear submarines, including those equipped with strategic ballistic missiles. The Russian Defense Ministry verified that the focus of the exercises was on readiness and potential deployment of nuclear arms in response to any aggressive threats against Russia or Belarus. Test launches of both ballistic and cruise missiles were performed. NATO partners and European nations raised alarms, with experts noting the drills coincided with Ukraine's most substantial territorial gains since Kursk.
