Russia Conducts Large-Scale Nuclear Exercises Amid Rising Tensions with NATO

Russia has launched nuclear-capable missiles and distributed nuclear munitions to some military units on Thursday as part of major nuclear drills conducted amid rising tensions with NATO over the Ukraine war and reported drone activity in the Baltic region.

The exercises are among the largest Russia has carried out in recent years, involving around 64,000 personnel training in the “preparation and use of nuclear forces in the event of aggression.”

President Vladimir Putin addressed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, and senior military commanders, stating that the use of nuclear weapons would remain an extreme and last-resort option.

“Given the growing tensions in the world and the emergence of new threats and risks, our nuclear triad must continue to serve as a reliable guarantor of the sovereignty of the Union State of Russia and Belarus,” Putin said during remarks in the Kremlin.

He added that while Russia does not seek a nuclear arms race, it will continue developing its nuclear capabilities, including new missiles and submarines, to maintain readiness.

Russia currently holds the world’s largest nuclear arsenal with about 4,400 deployed and stored warheads, followed by the United States with around 3,700, according to the Federation of American Scientists. China has about 620, France 290, and the United Kingdom approximately 225.

Meanwhile, Russia and China jointly criticised U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed “Golden Dome” missile defence system, arguing it could undermine global strategic stability.