Russia has performed civil defense exercises annually since 2012, always around Russian Civil Defence Day. These nationwide drills are focused on the evacuation of civilians during a nuclear conflict. 

In its 5 October intelligence update, the British Defense Ministry believes these exercises remain consistent, even amidst the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war.

The ministry tweeted:

• In recent days, Russia has been conducting civil defence exercises across much of the country, based on a scenario of large-scale international armed conflict.
• These exercises have taken place annually since 2012 and coincide with Russian Civil Defence Day on 4 October. This year’s exercises are unlikely to have been dramatically changed or expanded.
• For generations, the USSR and then Russia has paid attention to domestic preparations for a major conflict. However, even with the ongoing war in Ukraine, it is unlikely Russia has significantly changed its posture of national preparedness in recent months.

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