[Regnum] Plesetsk, Arkhangelsk Region, May 21, 2026, 4:50 PM — Regnum News Agency. A Yars intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from Plesetsk toward the Kura test site as part of a deterrent force exercise. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported this on May 21.
The department noted that the launch was part of the second phase of exercises involving ground, naval, and air forces. Practice launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles, as well as hypersonic and air-launched cruise missiles, were conducted.
Additionally, a Belarusian Armed Forces unit launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile from the Kapustin Yar test site. The Ministry of Defense emphasized that all missiles successfully hit their designated targets and confirmed their stated performance.
A frigate crew launched a Zircon missile from the Barents Sea toward the Chizha test site. A nuclear-powered submarine launched a Sineva intercontinental ballistic missile from a submerged position.
Tu-95MS long-range aircraft also participated in the training, launching hypersonic air-launched cruise missiles. A MiG-31 aircraft launched a Kinzhal hypersonic missile, according to the department's MAKH channel.
Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that the nuclear triad remains a key guarantee of the sovereignty of the Union State of Russia and Belarus, as well as an important element in maintaining nuclear parity and the global balance of power. The use of nuclear weapons is considered exclusively as a measure to ensure national security, the head of state emphasized.
He also stated that Moscow has no intention of participating in an arms race and is developing its defense potential as planned. The president called it important to continue improving the level of training of nuclear forces and developing all their components
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Strategic nuclear submarines of the Russian Armed Forces went to sea for nuclear force exercises.
Strategic nuclear submarines from the Northern and Pacific Fleets put to sea as part of nuclear force exercises. The Russian Defense Ministry press service published a video of them on May 21.
The footage shows the missile-carrying submarines leaving their bases and heading to naval training grounds, escorted by warships. The crews have begun combat patrol missions.
It also shows how mobile strategic missile systems deploy to combat patrol routes and deploy to field positions. Aerospace Forces aviation units practice arming Kinzhal hypersonic missiles with special warheads and flying to patrol areas.
Earlier, nuclear munitions were delivered to field points in the Belarusian missile defense area during the exercise. A missile unit of the Belarusian Armed Forces practiced receiving special munitions for the Iskander-M system, loading them onto launch vehicles, and covertly moving to the designated area to prepare for launches.
The exercises are taking place from May 19 to 21. The maneuvers are focused on the training and use of nuclear forces under the threat of aggression, and involve more than 64,000 military personnel and over 7,800 units of weapons, military, and special equipment.
On May 13, Vladimir Putin stated that Russia would continue to modernize its strategic nuclear forces and develop missile systems capable of penetrating current and future missile defense systems. Improving strategic deterrent forces remains a key focus of the country's defense policy.