Belarus has ordered a surprise inspection of its tactical nuclear weapon carriers, a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin directed his forces to conduct drills for tactical nuclear weapons. The Belarusian defence ministry stated the inspection will test the 'planning, preparation and use of strikes with tactical nuclear warheads' and involve a squadron of Su-25 aircraft.
While Belarus does not possess nuclear weapons, it agreed last year to host Russian tactical warheads on its soil amid escalating tensions over Ukraine. The Russian drills, ordered by Putin, are intended to 'deter' adversaries following perceived threats from Western leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and British representatives.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the exercises were a response to 'provocative statements and threats by certain Western officials', adding that this represents 'a completely new round of escalating tensions'. Russian Ambassador-at-Large Grigory Mashkov warned that Moscow would need to increase its missile arsenal to discourage any potential enemy from testing Russia's strength.
Russia's defence ministry said troops from the Southern Military District, which borders Ukraine and includes occupied Ukrainian territories, will take part in the drills. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev threatened that sending Western troops to Ukraine would result in a direct response, not limited to Ukrainian territory.
NATO has warned of a devastating response to any nuclear escalation, as the situation continues to heighten fears of a direct conflict reminiscent of the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.
