Belarus and Russia are reportedly rehearsing the deployment of nuclear weapons stationed in Belarus, according to statements made by Belarusian President Lukashenko.
Russia and Belarus Conduct Joint Military Exercises, Including Rehearsal of Nuclear Weapons
In a significant military development, Russia and Belarus are conducting joint war games, codenamed Zapad (West), which are wrapping up after five days. The exercises, taking place in Russia's Nizhny Novogorod region, involve the deployment and operational use of Russia's new intermediate-range missile, the Oreschnik (Haselstrauch).
According to the Belarusian Defence Ministry, the drills include the rehearsal of tactical nuclear weapons, including the deployment of Russia's Oreschnik ballistic missile. This marks the first time the Oreschnik missile has been fired at Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans to deploy Oreshniks in Belarus in the second half of 2025. Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, in agreement, stated that it is natural for the Russian tactical nuclear weapons to be part of the Zapad drills.
The joint military exercises, which began on September 10, involve approximately 100,000 military personnel and 10,000 pieces of military equipment. The drills are aimed at ensuring the "unconditional protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Union State," which is the alliance of Russia and Belarus.
U.S. military officers observed part of the Zapad exercise in Belarus on Monday. Notably, Russia's Defence Ministry also rehearsed the launch of nuclear-capable Russian Tu-160 strategic bombers over the Barents Sea north of the Nordic countries. President Putin met with top military officials during the drills.
In a related development, Belarus is working to reopen and renovate its Soviet-era nuclear storage facilities. This move comes amidst the ongoing tensions between Russia and the West, particularly concerning Ukraine.
In February 2022, Lukashenko allowed Moscow to use his territory to enter Ukraine, but did not commit Belarusian troops to the fighting. This decision, coupled with the current military exercises, raises concerns about the potential escalation of the conflict.
However, it's important to note that the U.S. President Donald Trump has been cultivating closer ties with Lukashenko, and recently relaxed some sanctions on Belarus. This diplomatic effort might be a step towards de-escalating the tension in the region.
As the Zapad exercises conclude, the international community will be closely monitoring the situation in Belarus and Russia, with hopes for peace and stability in the region.
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