Russia Holds Nuclear Drills During Putin's China Visit
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- Russia launched massive nuclear drills coinciding with President Vladimir Putin's state visit to China, per Bloomberg.
- Russia began nuclear drills amid an intensifying drone war in Ukraine, reported by DW.com.
- Belarus and Russia conducted joint exercises to practice nuclear weapons use, according to AP.
- Institute for the Study of War released a Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment on May 19, 2026, highlighting the drill activities.
Why it matters: NATO and Ukraine face heightened alert after Russia's May 19 2026 nuclear drills, which will spur increased defense spending and diplomatic pressure on China to curb Russia's escalation.
