Belarus Begins Training Exercises with Russian Nuclear Weapons Amid Criticism

Belarus initiated training exercises involving Russian nuclear weapons, evoking strong condemnation from Ukraine. The Belarusian Defense Ministry stated the exercises involve practicing delivery and readiness of nuclear munitions. Ukraine has called for tighter sanctions against Russia and Belarus, viewing this as a threat and nuclear proliferation issue.

Belarus announced on Monday that its armed forces have commenced training exercises that involve Russian nuclear weapons, drawing sharp criticism from Ukraine. The Belarusian Defense Ministry clarified the exercises aim to practice the delivery and preparation of nuclear munitions.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko had agreed to host Russian tactical nuclear missiles, with Russian President Vladimir Putin maintaining control over their use. The exercise will test the military's readiness to deploy weapons across different regions of Belarus.

The move is being condemned by Ukraine, which called for Western allies to tighten sanctions on Russia and Belarus, arguing the exercise poses a distinct security threat and promotes nuclear weapon proliferation globally.