Russia and Belarus Conduct Joint Nuclear Drills Amid Rising Tensions

• •Belarus and Russia are conducting joint nuclear drills involving 64,000 troops and missile units.
• •The exercises are aimed at enhancing readiness for deploying nuclear weapons from unplanned locations.
• •Ukraine has condemned the drills as a violation of international treaties and a threat to regional security.

On May 18, 2026, Belarus commenced nuclear drills in collaboration with Russia, focusing on the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons. The exercises involve missile units and air force detachments, aiming to enhance military readiness and operational capabilities from unplanned locations. These drills follow a series of escalations, including Ukraine's warnings of potential attacks and increased drone strikes against Russian territory. The maneuvers coincide with a broader breakdown in international nuclear arms control, particularly after the collapse of the New START treaty. Ukraine has condemned these actions, viewing them as a significant threat to regional security and a violation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The drills are characterized by a large military presence, with 64,000 troops participating in various maneuvers. This situation has heightened concerns about the potential for conflict in Eastern Europe, especially given the historical context of Belarus serving as a staging ground for Russian military operations against Ukraine.