Russia conducts nuclear forces exercise amid 'aggressive threat'
Auf einen Blick
- Russia's Defense Ministry announced a nuclear forces exercise from May 19-21, involving over 65,000 personnel and strategic missile forces, fleets, and long-range aviation.
- Belarus is conducting parallel exercises.
KI-generierte Zusammenfassung
Warum es wichtig ist
Russia has announced a nuclear forces readiness exercise involving strategic missile forces, fleets, and long-range aviation. This exercise is framed as a response to an 'aggressive threat' and is occurring concurrently with similar drills in Belarus.
From today until Thursday, the Russian Armed Forces will conduct an exercise on the preparation and deployment of nuclear forces under the threat of aggression. This was officially reported by the Ministry of Defense in Moscow, as cited by local news agencies. "From May 19 to 21, the Russian Armed Forces will conduct an exercise on the preparation and deployment of nuclear forces in the face of an aggressive threat," it was explained, specifying that the strategic missile forces, the Northern and Pacific fleets, and the Long-Range Aviation Command will participate in the maneuvers.
RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR, SKY TG24 NEWS LIVE
Over 65,000 military personnel involved
The exercise involves over 65,000 military personnel and more than 200 nuclear missile launchers, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense. During the exercises, troops will simulate the preparation of nuclear forces for operational missions and the launch of ballistic and cruise missiles in training grounds located on Russian territory. According to the Ministry of Defense, the objective is to improve the capabilities of command personnel and refine the control of subordinate troops within the framework of deterrence activities against a potential adversary.
Belarusian exercises
The Russian exercise comes as Belarus, Moscow's main ally in the conflict in Ukraine, has also decided to launch its own exercises related to missile and aviation forces, including training on the use of nuclear weapons in close cooperation with Russian military personnel. The Belarusian Ministry of Defense explained that the ability to operate from unprepared areas anywhere in the country will be tested, focusing on concealment tactics, long-distance forced marches, and calculation procedures for the deployment of personnel and equipment. Minsk reiterated that the maneuvers "are not directed against third countries and do not pose a threat to the security of the region."
In-depth
The "small" Ukraine is now attacking "big" Russia
Offene Fragen
- What specific 'aggressive threat' prompted the exercise?
- What is the precise nature of the simulated nuclear launches?
- What is the international community's reaction to these drills?
- How will these exercises impact ongoing diplomatic efforts related to the conflict in Ukraine?
