Russia Nuclear Drill LIVE: Russia Moves Nuclear Warheads Into Belarus, NATO on Edge | WION
Why It Matters
The drill demonstrates Russia’s expanded nuclear posture near NATO borders, raising escalation risks and compelling Western allies to reassess deterrence strategies.
Key Takeaways
- •Russia launches massive three‑day nuclear readiness drill involving 64,000 personnel.
- •Over 200 missile launchers, 140 aircraft, 13 submarines deployed, including strategic subs.
- •Nuclear‑capable Oreshnik missiles positioned in Belarus near NATO borders.
- •Drill coincides with heightened Ukrainian drone strikes and Putin’s China visit.
- •West warns escalation risk as START treaty restrictions have expired.
Summary
Russia began a three‑day nuclear readiness exercise that it describes as a test of combat preparedness for both strategic and tactical nuclear forces. The drill mobilises roughly 64,000 troops and 7,800 pieces of equipment, including more than 200 missile launchers, 140 aircraft, 73 surface ships and 13 submarines – eight of which are strategic nuclear vessels. A key focus is the deployment of the intermediate‑range Oreshnik missile system in Belarus, placing nuclear‑capable launchers within striking distance of NATO members Poland, Lithuania and Latvia.
The timing of the exercise aligns with a surge in Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian infrastructure and comes as President Vladimir Putin prepares for a high‑profile visit to China. Moscow insists the maneuvers are defensive, yet the scale and inclusion of test launches for both ballistic and cruise missiles underscore a broader signal of deterrence. President Putin has declared strengthening Russia’s nuclear arsenal an “absolute priority,” while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has ordered reinforcement of the northern border, accusing Moscow of planning attacks from Belarus – claims the Kremlin denies.
State media and defence officials stress that the drills are meant to validate command‑and‑control, reliability of the strategic nuclear forces and joint training with Belarusian units. The expiration of the New START treaty in February removed previous limits on deployed warheads, allowing both nuclear powers greater flexibility. Observers note that the simultaneous Belarusian drills and the positioning of Oreshnik missiles amplify NATO’s security concerns, prompting calls for heightened vigilance across the alliance.
For Europe and the broader international community, the exercise heightens the risk of miscalculation and escalates an already volatile security environment. It reinforces Russia’s willingness to project nuclear capability beyond its borders, potentially reshaping NATO’s posture and prompting renewed diplomatic efforts to manage nuclear signaling and prevent inadvertent conflict.
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