Russia placed nuclear-capable forces at the highest combat readiness during large-scale exercises with Belarus that included handling and simulated deployment of nuclear munitions using Iskander-M missile systems. The drills are part of broader strategic training events used to demonstrate nuclear deterrence. Baltic tensions increased as Lithuania and NATO allies reported heightened air policing after alleged drone incursions from Belarus. Vilnius temporarily suspended airport operations and issued precautionary alerts in eastern districts, described as preventative. The escalation follows continued Russian nuclear signalling, including references to the RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile. Kremlin officials responded to Lithuanian statements about NATO targeting infrastructure in Kaliningrad with dismissive and accusatory language, while Kaliningrad remains a heavily militarised exclave.
"Russia has placed nuclear-capable forces "to the highest levels of combat readiness" during large-scale military exercises involving its Iskander-M missile systems, amid a sharp escalation of rhetoric with NATO's eastern flank states."
"The drills, conducted jointly with Belarus, included the handling and simulated deployment of nuclear munitions, according to statements from the Russian defence ministry. The exercises form part of a wider series of strategic training events that Moscow regularly uses to demonstrate its nuclear deterrent capability."
"Authorities in Vilnius temporarily suspended operations at the capital's airport and issued precautionary public alerts in several eastern districts. Officials described the measures as preventative rather than indicative of an imminent attack."
"The Kremlin has used increasingly forceful language in response to statements from Lithuanian officials suggesting NATO could target Russian military infrastructure in Kaliningrad in the event of further escalation. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the remarks as "borderline insane", while Russian foreign ministry figures accused Baltic governments of "provocative" and "self-destructive" rhetoric."
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