Amid escalating tensions with the West over Ukraine, Belarus initiated military exercises featuring missiles and warplanes equipped for tactical nuclear missions. These drills, conducted jointly with Russia, coincided with Russian President Vladimir Putin's fifth-term inauguration, underscoring a commitment to bolstering Russia's security.
The maneuvers, announced a day after Russia's declaration of similar exercises, involve the deployment of Iskander short-range missiles and Su-25 fighter jets. Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin confirmed their participation, emphasizing the defensive nature of the drills.
Last year, Russia strategically positioned tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, augmenting its military capabilities in the region. This move, sanctioned by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, underscores the close alliance between the two nations. The deployment of these weapons enhances Russia's capacity to respond swiftly to potential threats in Ukraine and beyond, while also extending its reach to NATO allies in Eastern and Central Europe.
Both Putin and Lukashenko assert that the presence of Russian nuclear assets in Belarus serves as a deterrent against perceived Western aggression. Lukashenko, in particular, portrayed the drills as defensive measures aimed at safeguarding Belarus from external threats.
However, Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, currently in exile, condemned the presence of Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. She argued that such deployment not only endangers Belarusians but also poses a direct threat to the wider European populace.
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