Russia has confirmed the transfer of nuclear munitions to forward military storage facilities in Belarus, as part of joint military exercises between Moscow and Minsk, raising renewed concerns over nuclear escalation in Europe.
According to Russian defence authorities, Belarusian missile units are training with special nuclear-capable munitions for the mobile Iskander-M platform. The drills reportedly include loading nuclear warheads, covert transport operations, and simulated preparation for potential launch scenarios.
Moscow claims the exercises have reached the highest level of combat readiness, involving more than 64,000 troops, around 200 missile systems, 140 combat aircraft, and dozens of naval vessels and submarines—an extensive show of force that has intensified security concerns across Europe.
The Belarusian Defence Ministry stated that the drills are aimed at testing readiness for the deployment of nuclear weapons across different parts of the country. Russia, meanwhile, emphasized plans for integrated use of nuclear assets stationed in Belarusian territory.
Earlier statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Belarus could be used as a staging ground for potential attacks against NATO member states—claims that Moscow has denied. In 2023, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko agreed to host Russian tactical nuclear weapons on its territory.
The developments come amid already high tensions between Russia and Western countries, as military posturing continues to escalate alongside the ongoing war in Ukraine.
