Russia and Belarus Commence Tactical Nuclear Weapons Drills Amid Tensions

Amid escalating tensions in the region, Russia and Belarus have initiated the second stage of tactical nuclear weapons exercises, signaling Moscow‘s deterrence efforts against potential Western support for Ukraine.

The drills, announced last month following discussions of potential troop deployments to Ukraine, coincide with statements from NATO allies allowing Kyiv to use Western-supplied weaponry.

The initial stage of the exercises focused on nuclear mission readiness and deployment strategies, as per the Russian Ministry of Defence.

In the current phase, joint Russian and Belarusian training will center on non-strategic nuclear armament for combat scenarios, ensuring readiness for both personnel and equipment to safeguard the alliance’s sovereignty.

During a press briefing, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov highlighted the tense atmosphere in Europe, underscoring the importance of maintaining combat readiness in response to what Russia perceives as hostile actions and provocations from the US and its allies.

Since the significant troop deployment in Ukraine earlier this year, President Vladimir Putin has reiterated Russia’s willingness to employ nuclear weapons in extreme circumstances.

Notably, Russia stationed some tactical nuclear assets in Belarus last year, a country sharing borders with Ukraine and NATO members such as Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania, under the leadership of President Alexander Lukashenko.

Tactical nuclear weaponry comprises air bombs, short-range missile warheads, and artillery munitions designed for battlefield use, distinct from the more powerful strategic weapons aimed at mass destruction.

Putin emphasized the potency of Russia’s tactical nuclear arsenal compared to historical atomic bomb deployments.

Last week, Putin challenged Western assumptions by asserting Russia’s willingness to utilize its atomic arsenal if necessary.

Russian nuclear doctrine stipulates the use of such weapons in defense of the state’s very existence against perceived threats.

While US officials have observed no shift in Russia’s strategic posture, intelligence authorities regard Moscow’s nuclear rhetoric seriously.

With Russia and the United States accounting for the majority of global nuclear weapons, about 88% according to the Federation of American Scientists, the implications of these drills and statements reverberate worldwide.

Source: Al Jazeera and news agencies