War in Ukraine: Moscow launches nuclear exercise; the EU wants the return of sanctions

Russia launches exercise of its nuclear forces

The Russian army has begun three days of exercises and training of its nuclear forces, mobilizing thousands of men in the country, the Russian Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday, May 19, a few hours before the arrival of President Vladimir Putin in China.

Throughout its more than four-year offensive in Ukraine, Moscow has touted the power of its nuclear arsenal and repeatedly threatened to use it.

This announcement comes as Russia has just suffered one of the most massive Ukrainian attacks since the start of the conflict in February 2022. During the night from Saturday to Sunday, Russia said it had been attacked by around 600 drones, which left 4 dead. These exercises also come after the expiry in February of New Start, the latest treaty limiting Russian and American nuclear arsenals.

These exercises must mobilize more than 65,000 soldiers and 7,800 types of equipment and weapons, including more than 200 missile launchers, indicated the Ministry of Defense. Planes, ships, submarines and nuclear submarines participate. Test firings of ballistic and cruise missiles are planned, the ministry added.

Two dead, 17 injured in attack in northern Ukraine

At least two people were killed and 17 injured in a Russian missile attack that hit several buildings in the town of Pryluky in northern Ukraine, regional authorities said.

“The Russians hit the center of Pryluky with a ballistic missile (…) Two people were killed. At least 17 people were injured, including a 14-year-old child.indicated on Telegram Vyacheslav Tchaous, the governor of the Cherniguiv region (north).

Cargo hit in the Black Sea: no Chinese injured, according to Beijing

Beijing said no Chinese crew members were injured on board a cargo ship hit, according to Ukrainian forces, by a Russian drone off the Ukrainian port of Odessa, in the Black Sea. Ukrainian naval forces said Monday that a Chinese cargo ship had been hit the previous night by a Russian drone. The incident occurred on the eve of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s departure for a visit to China.

China has “first note” of this information, said a spokesperson for Chinese foreign affairs, without commenting on the involvement of a Russian drone. “According to our information, the ship is flying the flag of the Marshall Islands and has Chinese sailors on board (…). There are no injuries or victims.”he said.

The EU wants the return of sanctions against Russian oil

The European Commissioner for the Economy, Valdis Dombrovskis, indicated that the European Union was not in favor of the American decision to further extend the exemption from sanctions on Russian oil, stressing that Russia “Profite de la guerre en Iran”.

The United States has decided to extend until June 17 the absence of sanctions for Russian oil stored at sea, a measure put in place in March to alleviate pressure on the hydrocarbon market in the face of the near paralysis of the Strait of Hormuz. This exemption must “Enable the most vulnerable countries” to import this oil, explained Scott Bessent on Monday on the X platform.

“From the EU point of view, we do not think this is the time to ease the pressure on Russia,†a déclaré Valdis Dombrovskis. TO” In fact, it is Russia that is profiting from the war in Iran and the rising prices of fossil fuels. Consequently, if there is a change to be made, it would rather be to increase the pressure.”