An analysis from a prominent European defense think tank released this week indicates that in May 2026, Russia carried out two distinct nuclear exercises, one of which included a strategic drill simulating the launch of nuclear warheads in reaction to a conventional NATO assault. The German Council on Foreign Relations emphasizes that these actions are serious, as Russia's revised nuclear policy now clearly permits the use of nuclear arms if a conventional military action threatens the survival of the Russian Federation. Defense analysts have identified eight U.S. states that face the highest risk from Russian nuclear capabilities, particularly from ICBM paths monitored by NORAD.
