Belarus on Tuesday launched drills involving missiles and warplanes capable of carrying tactical nuclear weapons, which close ally Russia has deployed there amid tensions with the West over Ukraine.
The Belarusian maneuvers began a day after Russia announced plans to hold similar drills simulating the use of battlefield nuclear weapons in what it cast as a response to statements by Western officials signaling possibly deeper involvement in the war in Ukraine. It was the first time such an exercise had been publicly announced by Moscow.
Belarus’ Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin said a unit of Iskander short-range missiles and a squadron of Su-25 fighter jets will take part in the drills.
The maneuvers began as Russian President Vladimir Putin was inaugurated to a fifth term on Tuesday, vowing to ensure Russia’s security.
Last year, Russia moved some of its tactical nuclear weapons into Belarus, which also borders Ukraine and NATO members Poland, Latvia and Lithuania. Belarus’ authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko has relied on close ties with Russia and provided his country as a staging ground for the war in Ukraine.
Related articles:
Related suggestion:
Protection efforts lift crested ibis populationXi says ready to join president of the Republic of the Congo for stronger strategic partnershipDomestic brands shine at 4th CICPE in S China's HainanPanda program continues to boost ChinaNorth China's Hebei launches new multimodal transport route to Central AsiaHayao Miyazaki's animated fantasy stays atop Chinese box officeAcross China: Exhibition unveils rare masterpiece by ancient Chinese artistAncient noble tomb found in east China's JiangsuChinese, Dominican Presidents Exchange Congratulations on 20th Anniversary of Diplomatic TiesDraft rules to improve data security released
2.9077s , 6497.0078125 kb
Copyright © 2024 Powered by Belarus launches nuclear drills a day after Russia announces them, with Ukraine in mind ,International Intrigue news portal