The Kremlin is tightening its grip on Minsk through joint nuclear exercises — ISW
Russia and Belarus have completed joint nuclear exercises, during which they practiced missile launches and the movement of munitions.
The ISW believes that the Kremlin is increasingly using Belarus for its military purposes. This move demonstrates a significant strengthening of Moscow’s control over Minsk.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Russian military successfully delivered nuclear munitions to Belarus.
During the maneuvers, Belarusian units actively trained to receive ammunition, load launchers, and move Iskander-M systems.
In parallel, Russia conducted a series of launches of various types of missiles, involving units from the Strategic Missile Forces, the Navy, and the Air Force.
During the exercises, the military used the Yars intercontinental ballistic missile, as well as Zircon and Kinzhal missiles and projectiles from Iskander-M systems. All these actions took place as part of the coordination of the military components of both states.
Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) stated that these exercises demonstrate Russia’s increasing control over Belarus.
They emphasize that the integration of the Belarusian armed forces into the Russian military machine has reached a new dangerous level. This creates additional long-term threats to the security of the entire European region.
The report also noted that Belarus previously held official status as a non-nuclear state.
However, in 2022, the country amended its Constitution and renounced this status. As a result, Russia gained significantly greater legal and practical opportunities to use the territory of the neighboring state for its own aggressive military actions.
Lukashenko stated when Belarus might enter the war against Ukraine
The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation officially announced the start of large-scale military exercises involving strategic nuclear forces, which will take place from May 19 to 21, 2026.
Ukraine reacted sharply to the joint nuclear exercises of Russia and Belarus, stating that they violate international treaties and pose a threat to global security. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Moscow is effectively turning Belarus into a nuclear springboard near NATO’s borders.
