Belarus and Russia Begin Joint Nuclear Drills, Kyiv Reacts Strongly
Al Jazeera Staff
Belarus and Russia have launched joint nuclear drills, prompting a strong reaction from Ukraine. Kyiv called for tighter Western sanctions against both Moscow and Minsk.
The Belarusian military has begun joint exercises with Russia on combat use of nuclear weapons, according to an announcement from the Belarusian Defense Ministry. The ministry stated that the drills were a pre-planned event and not directed against any specific third party.
According to a statement cited by the Interfax news agency, the purpose of the exercises is to test combat readiness and the ability to carry out combat missions from unprepared locations across the country.
The announcement drew deep concern from Ukraine and NATO allies. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry issued a strong condemnation, arguing that Russia turning Belarus into a "nuclear launch pad" near NATO borders legitimizes the proliferation of nuclear weapons and sets a dangerous precedent for other authoritarian regimes.
"Such actions must face clear and resolute condemnation from all countries that respect the non-proliferation regime," the Ukrainian statement asserted. Kyiv also urged Western allies to tighten sanctions against Moscow and Minsk.
Russia's tactical nuclear weapons have been deployed in Belarus after President Alexander Lukashenko requested them, citing security needs in the face of the NATO threat. Lukashenko, often called "Europe's last dictator," is also seeking opportunities to ease sanctions and improve relations with the U.S. amid the war in Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's allegations that Russia plans a new attack from Belarus, calling such statements "an effort to escalate tensions in order to prolong the war."
The drills occurred a day after Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on Moscow, leaving at least five people dead according to Russian reports. Zelenskyy had previously warned Belarus not to allow itself to be drawn into the war, suggesting Moscow could use Belarusian territory to attack neighboring NATO countries such as Latvia, Lithuania, or Poland.
Russia launched its military invasion of Ukraine from Belarusian territory on February 24, 2022. Those forces were later repelled by the Ukrainian military before they could reach the outskirts of Kyiv.
