Russia and Belarus stage joint nuclear weapons drills
Summary
Russia and Belarus held joint military exercises practicing the use of Russian nuclear weapons, including hypersonic missiles deployed in Belarus last year. Belarus's defense ministry said the drills were not aimed at any country and did not threaten regional security, while Ukraine criticized the actions as a global security risk.Key Facts
- Russia and Belarus conducted joint drills focused on delivering and preparing to use nuclear weapons.
- Russia placed nuclear-capable hypersonic missiles called Oreshnik in Belarus in 2025.
- Belarus is under Russia’s nuclear protection according to Moscow’s 2024 revised nuclear doctrine.
- Belarus is led by Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin.
- Ukraine increased border defenses fearing a possible new Russian attack from Belarus.
- Ukraine condemned the drills, saying Russia turning Belarus into a nuclear base is a serious global threat.
- Russia says it controls nuclear weapons in Belarus but would let Belarus choose targets if conflict occurs.
- The Oreshnik missile can travel extremely fast (up to Mach 10) and has been used in conventional strikes in Ukraine.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.