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14 clusters · 95 sources · 66 days · First seen · Last updated

Categories: POLITICS · INTERNATIONAL

Russia‑Belarus nuclear and security drills

Overview

In early May 2026 Russia announced preparations for a test of its new RS‑28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, timing the launch to coincide with Victory Day celebrations. The missile was successfully test‑flown on 12 May, a flight touted by President Vladimir Putin as the most powerful in the world and capable of evading existing missile‑defence systems. Russian officials framed the launch as a strategic deterrent rather than a destabilising act.

Following the missile test, Russia staged its largest post‑Soviet nuclear exercise, moving tactical and strategic nuclear assets to Belarus from 19–21 May. The drills involved the Iskander‑M system, Yars ICBMs, hypersonic Kinzhal missiles and strategic submarines, and were portrayed by Moscow as a signal to NATO and a guarantee of the Russian‑Belarusian Union’s security. Putin described nuclear use as an “extraordinary measure” while Russian diplomats rejected claims that the tests threatened strategic stability.

In June, joint Russian‑Belarusian drills continued, featuring the Nut missile system and emphasizing deterrence against Baltic‑region forces. The broader pattern of missile testing, warhead deployment, and large‑scale exercises reflects Russia’s effort to bolster its nuclear posture amid manpower shortages, battlefield setbacks in Ukraine, and heightened tensions with the West.

On 13 July, Belarusian internal security forces conducted extensive drills to practice dispersing mass protests. OMON units, internal troops and traffic police blocked city centres in simulated scenarios, despite no imminent election or public event. Analysts said the exercises signal preparation for potential unrest driven by economic hardship and for a possible shift in Belarus’s role in the Ukraine war, ranging from hosting Russian attacks to domestic mobilisation. The drills underscore the regime’s readiness for varied security contingencies, complementing the earlier nuclear‑focused cooperation with Russia.

Timeline

  1. 21 days ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Belarus militia practices protest suppression drills amid war tensions

    Belarus militia is conducting nationwide drills to disperse mass protests, involving OMON and internal troops, amid speculation that the exercises prepare for potential unrest or a new role in the Ukraine war.

  2. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Belarus launches unexpected mobilization drills amid Russian pressure

    Belarus began unexpected mobilization drills from June 20‑26, calling reservists to report, amid reports of Russian pressure to use Belarusian territory for attacks on Ukraine.

  3. 2 months ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Russia and Belarus Conduct Joint Nuclear Exercises, Citing Baltic Security Concerns

    Russia and Belarus held joint nuclear drills, deploying the ‘Nut’ system in Belarus and warning EU forces, according to Russian security chief Alexei Shevtsov.

  4. 2 months ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Russia's Military Strains Spur Nuclear Brinkmanship Amid Ukraine Conflict

    Russia’s manpower shortages and Ukrainian drone attacks are curbing its Ukraine offensive, prompting Putin to heighten nuclear threats, including a delayed Sarmat test and Belarus exercise, raising miscaluation

  5. 2 months ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 5 sources
    Russia moves nuclear warheads to Belarus for joint drills

    Russia delivered tactical nuclear warheads to Belarus for a three‑day drill using Iskander‑M missiles, underscoring tighter military ties and raising NATO‑related security concerns.

  6. 2 months ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Russia and Belarus hold joint nuclear drills as Putin calls nuclear use an emergency security measure

    Russia‑Belarus nuclear drills held May 19‑21; Putin says nuclear use is an emergency security measure.

  7. 2 months ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Russia deploys strategic nuclear weapons in Belarus during exercise

    Russia deployed Yars ICBMs, Kinzhal missiles and nuclear warheads to Belarus in a large‑scale drill.

  8. 2 months ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 15 sources
    Russia moves nuclear warheads to Belarus in large‑scale drills

    Russia delivered nuclear warheads to Belarus during its largest nuclear drill since the Soviet era, raising NATO tensions.

  9. 3 months ago

    [POLITICS] 5 sources
    Russia Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov says Sarmat tests not aimed at strategic destabilisation

    Russia's Ryabkov says Sarmat missile tests are not meant to destabilise strategic balance.

  10. 3 months ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Russia’s Sarmat missile test fails to mask strategic shortfalls, says British analyst

    British analyst says Russia’s Sarmat missile test is propaganda, highlighting outdated strategic weapons and U.S. defenses.

  11. 3 months ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Russia tests Sarmat ICBM, claims unprecedented range and payload

    Russia’s Sarmat ICBM test claims record range, payload and defense‑penetration, sparking Western skepticism.

  12. 3 months ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Russia completes successful test of Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile

    Russia tested its Sarmat ICBM on May 12, achieving >35,000 km range and claiming superiority over Western missile defenses.

  13. 3 months ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 57 sources
    Russia test‑fires Sarmat ICBM, calls it the world’s most powerful missile

    Russia’s Sarmat ICBM test succeeds; Putin labels it the world’s most powerful nuclear missile, slated for deployment by year‑end.

  14. 3 months ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Russia readies RS-28 Sarmat ICBM test around Victory Day

    Russia may test its RS-28 “Satan II” ICBM, capable of ten warheads, around Victory Day, raising NATO concerns.

Sources

9news.com.au · abc17news.com · africa.actualno.com · agenpress.it · ahoradigital.net · aljazeera.com · atalayar.com · atomicbird.com · autonomoustruckers.substack.com · barbadosgazette.com · bhaskarhindi.com · biziday.ro · br.sputniknews.com · calderys.com · cambiodemichoacan · chinimandi.com · cjsm.org · cryptobriefing.com · cyprus-mail · dailytimes · De Telegraaf - Wat U Zegt Overzicht · de.rt.com · DIE WELT · e-typos.com · elcomercio · en · entornointeligente · eurasiantimes.com · express.be · fakt.pl · Focus · focus · folhadoprogresso.com.br · foreignpolicyjournal.com · forum24.cz · fr.businessam.be · french.almanar.com.lb · gandul.ro · gelora.co · hnonline.sk · ibtimes.com.au · indias.news · infoarenales.com · InfoMoney · interestingengineering.com · jamestown.org · japantoday · jobexpress.hu