Belarus says it is joining nuclear exercises with Russia

10/6/2024 19:12

        Belarus said on Monday its army was taking part in the second stage of Russian exercises ordered by President Vladimir Putin to practise the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons.
        
        The first phase of the drills took place in southern Russia last month, in what nuclear analysts said was a warning signal by Putin to deter the West from wading more deeply into the war in Ukraine.
        
        Belarusian Defence Minister Lieutenant General Viktor Khrenin said the exercises were a proactive measure to "increase our readiness to use so-called retaliatory weapons".
        
        "Now, more than ever before, we are determined to respond to any threats posed to both our country and the Union State" between Russia and Belarus, he said.