Belarus to join Russia’s nuclear drills to practise deploying tactical nuclear weapons

First phase of the drills took place in southern Russia last month, in what analysts say was Putin’s warning to deter the West from wading more deeply into the Ukraine war

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Russia’s President Vladimir Putin (right) and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko at the Independence Palace in Minsk on May 24. Photo: AFP

Published: 6:33pm, 10 Jun 2024

Belarus said on Monday its army was taking part in the second stage of Russian exercises ordered by President Vladimir Putin to practise the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons.

The first phase of the drills took place in southern Russia last month, in what nuclear analysts said was a warning signal by Putin to deter the West from wading more deeply into the war in Ukraine.

Belarusian Defence Minister Lieutenant General Viktor Khrenin said the exercises were a proactive measure to “increase our readiness to use so-called retaliatory weapons”.

“Now, more than ever before, we are determined to respond to any threats posed to both our country and the Union State” between Russia and Belarus, he said.

Belarusian Defence Minister Viktor Khrenin said the exercises were a proactive measure to “increase our readiness to use so-called retaliatory weapons”. Photo: Reuters

He did not say where the exercises were taking place or what types of weapons were involved. Belarus shares borders with three Nato countries – Poland, Lithuania and Latvia.

“We have no goal of creating any tension in regional security issues. We do not project relevant military threats on third countries or anyone else,” Khrenin added.