NATO on alert as Russia deploys more nuclear weapons in Belarus

2026-05-22 17:32:35Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

NATO on alert as Russia deploys more nuclear weapons in Belarus

Russia and Belarus have conducted their largest nuclear exercises in recent years, raising fears of a new escalation of the war in Ukraine and tensions with NATO.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko took part in the first-ever simulations of the use of tactical and strategic nuclear weapons alongside Vladimir Putin. The military maneuvers involved the use of Iskander-M ballistic missiles, fighter jets and advanced hypersonic systems. 

Analysts warn that the deployment of more Russian nuclear weapons on Belarusian territory could be a signal that “something big is brewing” in the region. According to experts, Moscow is trying to intimidate the West and put pressure on Ukraine ahead of the NATO summit, Aljazeera reports. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russia could use Belarus as a launching pad for a new offensive towards northern Ukraine and Kiev, while NATO has reacted strongly, saying that any use of nuclear weapons would bring a "devastating" response.

However, some analysts believe that Lukashenko is trying to balance relations with Moscow and the West, avoiding Belarus' direct involvement in the war.


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