Russia has launched large-scale nuclear exercises to increase pressure on NATO, according to the ISW
Russia has launched large-scale nuclear exercises to demonstrate its strength to Ukraine’s allies, increase pressure on NATO, and divert attention from its own setbacks on the front lines. This is the conclusion reached by analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
This is reported in an ISW report.
The Russian Ministry of Defense announced large-scale exercises on the preparation and use of nuclear forces from May 19 to 21 in response to an alleged “threat of aggression.”
Strategic missile forces, the Northern and Pacific Fleets, the Long-Range Aviation Command, and separate units from the Leningrad and Central Military Districts were involved in the maneuvers.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, more than 64,000 military personnel and over 7,800 pieces of equipment are participating in the exercises.
Among them:
- over 200 missile launchers;
- over 140 aircraft;
- 73 surface ships;
- 13 submarines, including eight strategic missile carriers.
The Russian side also announced the launch of ballistic and cruise missiles at test sites within the Russian Federation.
According to the BBC’s Russian Service, citing the “Bulletin of Atomic Scientists,” the exercises may involve most of Russia’s approximately 320 intercontinental ballistic missile launchers capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that joint operations are being practiced using Russian nuclear weapons deployed on Belarusian territory.
The day before, on May 18, the Belarusian Defense Ministry also announced the start of joint Russian-Belarusian nuclear exercises.
Analysts note that Russia had not previously announced such maneuvers for May. Typically, these exercises, unofficially known as “Grim,” take place in the fall—in October.
The last time the Russian army conducted unexpected nuclear exercises was in the summer of 2024. At that time, they involved tactical nuclear weapons.
Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War believe that Moscow is attempting to use the exercises to exert informational pressure on NATO.
“Russian forces are likely conducting surprise nuclear exercises from May 19 to 21 and reinforcing long-standing narratives aimed at influencing NATO decision-making and masking Russia’s own weaknesses,” the experts noted.
The ISW emphasizes that Russian forces have not yet achieved significant results during the spring-summer offensive of 2026.
At the same time, according to analysts’ assessments, the Ukrainian Defense Forces have managed to seize the tactical initiative in certain sectors of the front and are delivering increasingly significant strikes against Russian rear facilities.
Against the backdrop of the exercises, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov spoke of an alleged “direct clash” between Russia and NATO with “catastrophic consequences.”
He also accused NATO countries of “nuclear provocations” and stated that the Russian military is taking NATO’s nuclear capabilities into account.
The ISW believes that with such statements, the Kremlin is attempting to weaken the unity of Ukraine’s allies and reduce support for Kyiv.
The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation officially announced the start of large-scale military exercises involving strategic nuclear forces, which will take place from May 19 to 21, 2026.
Ukraine reacted sharply to the joint nuclear exercises between Russia and Belarus, stating that they violate international treaties and pose a threat to global security. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Moscow is effectively turning Belarus into a nuclear springboard near NATO’s borders.
