On May 21, Russia's military carried out nuclear readiness drills, with NATO's Secretary General confirming that the alliance is keeping an eye on the activities but opting not to make any public statements. Russian state media characterized the drills as a strategic warning — a subtle communication to Western nations supporting Ukraine. These exercises occur amid ongoing tensions related to the withdrawal of US troops from Germany, NATO's preparations for its upcoming Nuclear Planning Group meeting in June, and a period of significant escalation at the front lines. Defense experts caution that although these drills align with regular Russian military routines, their timing conveys a calculated political message.
