May 18, Pozirk. Belarus has launched exercises involving military units responsible for the combat use and support of nuclear weapons, the defense ministry’s press office reports, without specifying the exact location of the drill.
Units from the missile and air forces have been deployed for the exercise, during which Belarus and Russia reportedly plan to rehearse the delivery of nuclear munitions and preparations for their use.
The ministry said the exercise focuses on covert operations, troop movements across long distances and calculations related to the deployment of forces and equipment. It stressed that the drill is a part of scheduled Union State training activities, which are not directed against third countries and pose no threat to regional security.
The exercise is designed to enhance the Armed Forces’ readiness to use state-of-the-art weapons, including “special” munitions, and test troops’ readiness to carry out combat missions from various locations, the ministry noted.
Deputy Defense Minister Paviel Muraviejka is in charge of the maneuvers which also aim to improve personnel training and test weapons, military and specialized equipment for operational tasks, as well as organize combat operations from non-standard deployment areas.
In December 2024, Minsk and Moscow signed a treaty on security guarantees that authorizes Russia to use its nuclear weapons to defend “sovereignty, independence and the constitutional system” of the two countries.
Moscow and Minsk have repeatedly said that Russia deployed its tactical nuclear munitions in Belarus.
