Belarus Begins Nuclear Weapons Drills With Russia

Belarus has begun military exercises focused on the deployment of Russian nuclear weapons, the country’s defense ministry announced on Monday.

According to the ministry, the drills, conducted in coordination with Russia, include the transport of nuclear munitions and preparations for their potential use. The exercises are intended to test the army’s readiness to deploy nuclear weapons across different parts of the country, with an emphasis on secrecy, long-range movements and coordination between units.

Belarus, which borders Russia, Ukraine and three NATO member states, agreed in 2023 to host Russian tactical nuclear weapons on its territory. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stressed that Moscow retains control over their use.

Minsk has said the current exercises are not directed against any specific country and do not pose a threat to regional security.

(reuters, bak)