Story perspectives

Russia, Belarus Launch Massive Nuclear Drills Ahead of Putin-China Trip

5/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

Nuclear drills started hours before President Vladimir Putin left for a two-day China visit.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said the drills rehearse nuclear force use against a perceived threat, involving over 64,000 personnel and 7,800 equipment items.
Belarus held parallel drills on combat nuclear use, hosting Russian tactical missiles near NATO borders, which the Institute for the Study of War says aim to pressure Ukraine’s Western allies and distract from setbacks.

History

Historical Context

During the October 16-28 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev secretly placed about eight medium-range missiles in Cuba, prompting President John F. Kennedy to raise U.S. forces to DEFCON 2 and put B-52 bombers on continuous alert. The crisis, the closest the Cold War came to nuclear war, now informs Russia’s large-scale nuclear drills, underscoring enduring deterrence tensions.

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Story summary

Nuclear drills started hours before President Vladimir Putin left for a two-day China visit.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said the drills rehearse nuclear force use against a perceived threat, involving over 64,000 personnel and 7,800 equipment items.
Belarus held parallel drills on combat nuclear use, hosting Russian tactical missiles near NATO borders, which the Institute for the Study of War says aim to pressure Ukraine’s Western allies and distract from setbacks.

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