Russia flexes nuclear muscles as tensions rise with NATO - Reuters

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- Russia held nuclear drills on land, sea, and air, with Belarus participating.
- Belarus joined the drills, deepening its military coordination with Russia.
- NATO faced rising tensions as Russia's nuclear exercises progressed.
- Ukraine bolstered its border security after Russia announced nuclear munitions.
- The Hill published a Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment on May 19 2026, highlighting the drills.
Why it matters: Russia’s nuclear drills force NATO to reassess deterrence while Ukraine scrambles to harden borders, shifting security resources toward defense and heightening the risk of miscalculation in the region.



