Key Takeaways from the ISW: Russia is using unannounced strategic nuclear exercises to posture strength against Ukraine’s allies and distract from mounting battlefield weaknesses. Russian forces are likely conducting the surprise May 19 to 21 nuclear exercises and amplifying longstanding narratives aimed at influencing NATO decision-making and masking Russia’s own weaknesses. Russia is escalating its efforts to set informational conditions for possible future aggression against the Baltic states. Russian contract recruitment continues to decline as battlefield casualties rise, despite recent increases to one-time signing bonuses. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) reportedly trained Russian military personnel in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 2025, underscoring how Russia and its allies are using the war in Ukraine for military learning and testing. Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in China on May 19 for an official visit through May 20. Ukrainian forces recently advanced in northern Kharkiv Oblast and in the Kupyansk and Hulyaipole directions. Russian forces launched 209 drones toward Ukraine overnight. JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. See the original here.