The Ministry of Defense of Belarus stated that as part of joint exercises, Russia delivered nuclear weapons to field depots on the territory of the country. This concerns the deployment of Iskander-M systems with 'special munitions.'
Belarusian authorities reported the transfer of Russian nuclear weapons to the territory of the country as part of joint military exercises.
The corresponding statement was issued on Thursday by the Ministry of Defense of Belarus.
Minsk referred to a video published by the Russian military department, which showed trucks entering a wooded area, as well as the loading of missiles into launchers.
At the same time, the Russian state agency RIA Novosti reported that during the exercises in Belarus, Iskander-M ballistic missile systems with 'special munitions' were deployed.
In Russian and Belarusian official rhetoric, the term 'special munitions' is usually used in reference to nuclear weapons.
Importantly, the issue of deploying Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus has been a serious concern for the Baltic states and NATO for several years.
Moscow and Minsk have previously stated multiple times about the relocation of elements of nuclear infrastructure to Belarus; however, independent verification of such statements is extremely limited. The current announcement comes against the backdrop of Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine and increased military activity near NATO's eastern borders.
The Iskander-M systems are capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads. Russia has previously stated that it has transferred such missile systems to Belarus and has trained Belarusian military personnel for their use.
Amid rising tensions in the region, the Baltic states and Poland continue to strengthen air defense systems and NATO's military presence on the alliance's eastern flank. In recent months, additional concern has been raised by regular incidents involving drones near the borders of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia.
Statements about nuclear weapons in Belarus arise at a time when the region is already experiencing heightened levels of military tension and intensified airspace monitoring.
