Russia, Belarus Embark on Second Stage of Non-Strategic Nuclear Drills - Defense Ministry | 11 June 2024 | Previously, troops underwent training to operate Iskander missiles and to equip Kinzhal hypersonic missiles with specialized warheads. The second stage of drills focusing on the use of non-strategic nuclear weapons by Russian and Belarusian forces has commenced, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday. "In accordance with the decision of Russian President [Vladimir Putin], the second stage of the exercise of non-strategic nuclear forces began," the ministry said in a statement. During the exercise, the joint training of units from the armed forces of Russia and Belarus will be carried out.