Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Tripper11

(4,482 posts)
Tue May 19, 2026, 12:07 PM May 19

Well fuck-a-doodle doo - Russia holds massive drills of its nuclear forces as Ukraine steps up its drone attacks

MOSCOW (AP) — Russia on Tuesday began massive maneuvers of its nuclear forces featuring practice launches of nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles in drills that come amid surge in Ukrainian drone strikes.

The three-day exercise will involve 64,000 troops, over 200 missile launchers, more than 140 aircraft, 73 surface warships and 13 submarines, including eight armed with nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles, the Defense Ministry said.

The maneuvers will focus on the “preparation and use of nuclear forces under the threat of aggression,” the ministry said.

The drills will also practice cooperation with Belarus, a neighbor and ally that hosts Russian nuclear weapons. Russian arsenals in Belarus include its latest intermediate range nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system.

https://apnews.com/article/russia-nuclear-drills-putin-ukraine-war-aaf57bba4e61cc93a84f4245087f

4 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Well fuck-a-doodle doo - Russia holds massive drills of its nuclear forces as Ukraine steps up its drone attacks (Original Post) Tripper11 May 19 OP
Get back in your bunker EYESORE 9001 May 19 #1
sounds like a target rich environment. mopinko May 19 #2
I've alway wondered if Putin got desperate if he'd use tactical nukes biocube May 19 #3
His posturing is an indication of a weak hand Torchlight May 19 #4

biocube

(286 posts)
3. I've alway wondered if Putin got desperate if he'd use tactical nukes
Tue May 19, 2026, 12:50 PM
May 19

This doesn't sound good.

Torchlight

(7,188 posts)
4. His posturing is an indication of a weak hand
Tue May 19, 2026, 01:45 PM
May 19

If he's reduced to empty threats and saber-rattling at the expense of gaining ground (and indeed, losing ground as well as the war), it indicates to me he's running out of options and may wind up withdrawing Russian forces and labeling his flawed campaign as a victory.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Well fuck-a-doodle doo - ...