Russia has initiated nuclear war games in Belarus, deploying Iskander-M missiles to the doorstep of the European Union. The exercises have prompted Ukraine to rush troops to its northern border, while NATO has issued a stark condemnation of the provocative moves.
Nuclear Drills Underway
Russia's Ministry of Defence released a statement and video footage to underline the threat against Ukraine and its allies. According to the Kremlin-aligned news site Ria Novosti, training began on May 18 in Belarus for the combat use of nuclear weapons. The drills involve the Strategic Missile Forces, the Northern and Pacific Fleets, Long-Range Aviation Command, and elements of the Leningrad and Central Military Districts.
It remains unclear whether the nuclear-capable missiles are equipped with actual warheads. When asked about potential Russian nuclear attacks, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned: "Well, (Russia) knows if that happens, the reaction is devastating."
In previous instances, allied intelligence services have issued personal warnings to Russian generals and senior officers involved in nuclear operations, reportedly telling them in "graphic and aggressive terms" that they "would not survive" any attempt to use nuclear weapons.
Belarusian and Russian Statements
Belarus's Ministry of Defence stated that the exercises aim to improve personnel training and verify the readiness of weapons and equipment. "During the exercises, in coordination with the Russian side, it is planned to practise the delivery of nuclear munitions and their preparation for use," the ministry said, while insisting the war games are not intended to threaten any other nation.
However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remains unconvinced. He noted that Russia is trying to draw Belarus deeper into the war, with plans for operations south and north of Belarusian territory, potentially targeting the Chernihiv-Kyiv direction or even a NATO country directly.
Ukraine's Response
Ukraine is reinforcing its northern border, deploying forces to protect against infiltrators along the route Russia used during its failed assault on Kyiv in 2022. Under increasing pressure on eastern battlefields, where Russian forces are losing around 35,000 troops monthly, the Kremlin has resorted to nuclear threats, as it did during its retreat in 2022.
The Russian defence ministry detailed that missile units in Belarus are performing training tasks involving the Iskander-M operational-tactical missile complex, including receiving special warheads, equipping carrier missiles, and covertly advancing to designated launch areas. Belarus added that simulated missile launches were carried out at targets, which likely include Kyiv. However, Belarus shares borders with Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland—all EU and NATO members—and Iskander-M missiles could reach those nations, with Poland particularly vulnerable if deployed in southern Belarus.
Scale of Exercises
The Russian Defence Ministry claimed the exercises involve a massive force: 64,000 personnel, over 7,800 pieces of equipment and weapons, including more than 200 missile launch systems, over 140 aircraft, 73 surface vessels, and 13 submarines, eight of which are strategic missile submarines.
