Belarus has begun exercises to practice the use of nuclear weapons
On May 18, military units in Belarus began training exercises focused on the combat use of nuclear weapons and nuclear support. Missile forces and aviation units are participating in the exercises, and some elements are planned to be practiced in coordination with Russia.
This was reported by local propaganda media.
The Belarusian Ministry of Defense stated that the purpose of the exercises is to test the readiness of personnel, equipment, and weapons to carry out missions, particularly from unprepared areas across the country. Special attention during the exercises will be paid to covert movement, logistics, and the preparation of special munitions for potential use.
The purpose of the training is to improve the level of personnel training, verify the readiness of weapons, military and special equipment to carry out tasks, and organize combat operations from unplanned areas.
Military units of the missile forces and aviation are being involved in the event. During the exercise, in cooperation with the Russian side, it is planned to work out issues related to the delivery of nuclear munitions and their preparation for use.
The main feature of this event will be testing readiness to carry out combat operations from unprepared areas across the entire territory of Belarus. The primary focus will be on addressing issues of concealment, movement over significant distances, and conducting calculations for the deployment of forces and assets.
The exercise is a scheduled training activity within the framework of the so-called Union State, is not directed against third countries, and does not pose a threat to security in the region, the ministry explained.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia is attempting to draw Belarus deeper into the war against Ukraine and is considering new scenarios for aggression from its territory.
Belarus’s self-proclaimed president, Alexander Lukashenko, held a meeting on military equipment and announced the preparation of a new state armament program for 2026–2030.
Belarus continues to build infrastructure facilities deep within its territory and is not moving them closer to the Ukrainian border. At the same time, it cannot be ruled out that Russia may use these facilities in the future to deploy additional forces and equipment.
