Russia starts 3-day nuclear drills on May 19 2026 with 64000 troops

Russia has started large nuclear exercises involving 64,000 troops and 13 submarines. This is a much larger force than seen in previous training drills this year.
By Newsroom | World News, Russia |

MOSCOW — Russia commenced a three-day series of significant nuclear drills on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, involving tens of thousands of troops and a broad spectrum of military assets, including aircraft, ships, submarines, and missile launchers. The exercises, which the Ministry of Defense stated are aimed at preparing forces to respond to external threats, feature practice launches of nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles.

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The commencement of these drills, announced Monday, coincides with a marked intensification of Ukrainian drone attacks against Russian territory and President Vladimir Putin's departure for a two-day visit to China. These maneuvers also follow the collapse of the last nuclear arms accord between Russia and the United States earlier this year and a series of pronouncements from Putin highlighting Russia's nuclear capabilities.

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Scope and Participants

The drills are extensive, reportedly involving 64,000 troops, over 200 missile launchers, more than 140 aircraft, and 73 surface warships. Notably, 13 submarines, including eight equipped with nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles, are participating. Russian arsenals in Belarus, a neighboring ally, include the new intermediate-range nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system, which has been deployed there. The exercises also reportedly involve cooperation with Belarus, which hosts Russian nuclear weapons. Russia's Northern and Pacific fleets are involved.

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Context and Timing

The timing of these exercises is significant. They occur shortly after a weekend drone barrage attributed to Ukraine struck Moscow's suburbs, resulting in at least three fatalities and damage to buildings and industrial facilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has acknowledged responsibility for the operation, framing it as retaliation for Russia's ongoing bombardment of Ukrainian cities.

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These drills also unfold against a backdrop of deteriorating international nuclear arms control frameworks. The breakdown of the last nuclear arms pact between Russia and Washington, coupled with Putin's recent emphasis on Moscow's atomic forces, adds a layer of gravity to the current maneuvers.

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The announcement of the drills came hours before Putin's arrival in Beijing, a visit that will last for two days. Throughout its protracted involvement in Ukraine, Moscow has repeatedly gestured towards its nuclear arsenal and issued threats of its potential use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Russia start nuclear drills on May 19 2026?
Russia began these drills to practice responding to external threats after recent drone attacks on Moscow. The exercises involve 64,000 troops and nuclear-capable missiles to show military readiness.
Q: How many troops and weapons are in the Russian nuclear exercises?
The drills include 64,000 troops, 140 aircraft, 73 warships, and 13 submarines. This large-scale event is designed to test Russia's ability to use its nuclear arsenal.
Q: Are Belarus and other countries involved in the May 2026 nuclear drills?
Yes, the exercises include cooperation with Belarus, which currently hosts Russian nuclear weapons. The new Oreshnik missile system has also been deployed in Belarus for these tests.
Q: How do the nuclear drills affect the war in Ukraine?
The drills follow recent Ukrainian drone strikes on Moscow that killed three people. This move is seen as a show of strength by Russia during ongoing tensions and the collapse of nuclear arms pacts with the U.S.