Belarusian Pilots Receive Nuclear Weapons Training From Russia.

Taking the informatics from Russian Defence Ministry, Belarusian air force crews have finished training for utilising tactical nuclear weapons as part of Russia’s intention to provide the weapons to its ally Belarus during the battle in neighbouring Ukraine. The ministry made available a video in which a pilot from Belarus said that the training in Russia had provided the operators of the Su-25 ground attack planes of the Belarusian air force the abilities they needed to operate the weapons.

Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, announced last month that his country intended to station some of its tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. It was yet another attempt by the head of the Kremlin to use the nuclear threat to entice the West away from backing Ukraine. A union pact between Russia and Belarus calls for tight political, economic, and military relations. In February 2022, Russian forces entered Ukraine from the north through Belarusian territory and continued to be present there.

If they were moved to Belarus, Russian tactical nuclear weapons would be closer to possible targets in Ukraine and NATO allies in Eastern and Central Europe. The border between Belarus and NATO countries Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland is 1,250 kilometres (778 miles). These weapons are designed to eliminate opposing soldiers on the battlefield. Compared to nuclear warheads mounted on long-range strategic missiles capable of destroying whole cities, they have a far shorter range and much lower power.

By July 1, according to Putin, Belarusian storage facilities for tactical nuclear weapons will be finished. Additionally, Russia has given Belarus Iskander short-range missiles that can be equipped with nuclear warheads and has assisted Belarus in modernising its jets so they can carry nuclear weapons. Putin has made it clear that Russia would maintain control over any nuclear weapons sent to Belarus, much as the United States does with its tactical nuclear weapons stationed on the soil of its NATO members.

Alexander Lukashenko, the autocratic ruler of Belarus, has indicated that some of Russia’s strategic nuclear weapons and a portion of Moscow’s tactical nuclear arsenal may be transferred to Belarus. Viktor Khrenin, the defence minister of Belarus, raised the idea once more, saying that if the West persisted in what he called its hostile track, “it could be the next step.” They shall only use force as a form of defence. The West doesn’t grasp it otherwise, stated Khrenin. They are already getting ready for the sites we have.

After the Soviet Union’s fall in 1991, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine turned over the Soviet nuclear weapons stationed on their soil to Russia.

Criticisms by Ukraine- The Victim of Putin’s Invasion!

However, this attempt by Russia has been criticised by Putin’s counterpart, Ukraine. Russia has been charged with destabilising Belarus and making it a “nuclear prisoner” by Ukraine. The head of the country’s opposition to the eviction, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, declared last month that this move “grossly opposes the desire of the Belarusian people” and referred to the nation’s growing subordination under Russian dominance. According to Oleksiy Danilov, the deal contributed to Belarus’ internal instability and increased popular dislike of Russia and Putin in Belarusian society. He is in charge of the national security and defence council of Ukraine. He said on Twitter that the Kremlin was holding Belarus hostage.

Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, criticised Putin’s policy and said the Russian president was “too predictable.” Podolyak remarked that he is afraid of losing and that all he can do is be terrified by tactics in a remark about tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. 

Did NATO appreciate Russia’s attempt to plant nuclear weapons on Belarusian land?

According to Nato spokesman Oana Lungescu, Russia’s nuclear boldness is irresponsible and dangerous. NATO is closely monitoring the situation and is on high alert. They said nothing requiring changing the approach to Russia’s nuclear posture had been observed.

Disclosure.

Russia has consistently broken its word about arms control. Putin frequently used nuclear terminology or threats during the whole invasion of Ukraine, but this is the first time he has explicitly announced a desire to place nuclear weapons abroad. Let’s see what this attempt by the Russian president delivers to the Belarusian territory.