Putin observes military drills in the Urals involving troops from China and other nations

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday visited military exercises in the Ural Mountains, featuring participation from troops of China and numerous other nations. The event, known as Center-2026, saw 47,000 soldiers practicing defensive maneuvers at 11 firing ranges and in the Caspian Sea. This took place over the course of four days, concluding on Saturday.

Approximately 6,000 participants from various countries, including Russia, contributed to the final phase of the drills held at Chebarkulsky, as per Russian news outlets. In attendance as observers were delegations from 55 nations. Notably, the drills also incorporated contingents from Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, China, Mongolia, and Pakistan, according to Russian reports.

During his visit, Putin examined an assortment of weaponry, notably new jet-powered Geran drones utilized by the Russian military against Ukraine. This observation came a day after Russia issued a warning to NATO, asserting its readiness to employ nuclear weapons to safeguard Kaliningrad should any members of the military alliance attempt to isolate the exclave from the rest of the country.