Russia announces nuclear drills as Putin visits China
Moscow's Defence Ministry speaks of thousands of soldiers across the country for 'an exercise on the preparation and use of nuclear forces in case of threat of aggression'
The Russian Defence Ministry has announced that Moscow's army will begin three days of nuclear weapons exercises today involving thousands of soldiers across the country. Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin is on a visit to China. "From 19 to 21 May 2026, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will conduct an exercise on the preparation and use of nuclear forces in case of threat of aggression," the Kremlin said. According to the Tass news agency, over 64,000 military personnel will take part in the exercises.
On Saturday, one of the heaviest Ukrainian attacks
Meanwhile, Ukraine intensifies its attacks. On Saturday, Russia suffered one of the most severe offensives with drones by the Kiev army since the beginning of the conflict, in response to deadly Russian air raids on the Ukrainian capital.
Putin sends video message to Chinese people
Before his official visit to China, Putin addressed the Chinese people with a videomessage. "Dear Chinese friends, I greet you! I am delighted to visit Beijing once again at the invitation of my dear old friend, the President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping," said the Russian head of state, who went on to emphasise the unprecedented level of relations between the two countries. According to the Russian leader, the friendship between the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China is not directed "against anyone", but "for the sake of peace and universal prosperity".
