Mark Rutte announces that NATO's reaction will be "devastating" if Russia uses nuclear weapons in Ukraine

Russia is conducting major military exercises involving the Strategic Missile Forces, the fleets from the North and Pacific, as well as units from the Leningrad and Central military districts, until May 21, according to the Russian ministry. These exercises are particularly important, taking place in the context of warnings from Ukraine regarding Belarus's deeper involvement in the conflict with Russia. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte stated that NATO is closely monitoring the situation and emphasized that a response to a Russian nuclear attack would be devastating.

The exercises involve over 64,000 military personnel and 7,800 pieces of equipment, including ballistic and cruise missiles. Russia has broadcast images of soldiers handling nuclear warheads for the Iskander-M systems, demonstrating readiness for the use of nuclear weapons. These activities are taking place in a climate of heightened tension between Russia, NATO, and Ukraine, in the context of the ongoing war.