Russia test fires ballistic, hypersonic missiles during nuclear drills with Belarus
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- Russia and Belarus conducted a three‑day joint nuclear drill involving 64,000 troops, 200+ missile launchers, 140 aircraft, 73 warships and 13 submarines, eight of which carried nuclear‑capable ICBMs.
- Putin and Belarusian President Lukashenko observed the final stage of the drills, which featured test‑fires of ballistic and hypersonic missiles.
- Kremlin officials said the exercises focused on “preparation and use of nuclear forces under the threat of aggression,” emphasizing deterrence and nuclear parity.
- Moscow suffered a Ukrainian drone strike that killed three people and damaged industrial and residential sites during the drills.
Why it matters: NATO members confront heightened security concerns as Russia’s 64,000‑troop nuclear drill and missile tests amplify the risk of nuclear escalation, prompting a reassessment of deterrence postures.
