Putin, Lukashenko monitor Russia-Belarus nuclear drills
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Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko monitored joint strategic nuclear exercises via video conference on Saturday. The drills involve forces from both countries simulating nuclear strike scenarios.
The Drills
The exercises, announced by Moscow last week, are part of a series of nuclear drills that Russia has conducted since 2024. The simulations involve strategic aviation, missile forces, and naval components, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. Belarus hosts tactical nuclear weapons under a 2023 agreement with Russia.
Regional Context
The drills come amid heightened tensions with NATO over the war in Ukraine. Belarus has served as a staging ground for Russian troops since February 2022. The exercises are the third round of joint nuclear drills between the two allies this year.
What's Next
The exercises are scheduled to conclude on Sunday. It remains unclear whether further rounds of drills are planned, as Western officials warn of escalating nuclear rhetoric.
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Putin, Lukashenko monitor Russia-Belarus nuclear drills
