Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Friday that Russia has begun sending nuclear weapons to Belarus, with plans to deploy tactical nuclear bombs in the country. During his speech at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin stated that the remaining nuclear weapons would be delivered by the end of the summer. The move is seen as a deterrence measure against those who entertain the idea of Russia’s strategic defeat. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko also confirmed the receipt of the first part of the “bombs and missiles from Russia” and emphasized that there would be no hesitation in using them if faced with aggression.
This development follows the joint announcement made by Putin and Lukashenko in March, as part of Putin’s strategy to keep the threat of nuclear weapons on the minds of Western leaders who are supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, this transfer marks the first time that Russia has moved nuclear weapons back into Belarus. The weapons being transferred are short-range tactical nuclear weapons, which have a shorter range and lower yield compared to ballistic missile warheads. However, they still possess destructive power surpassing that of the bombs dropped on Hiroshima during World War II.
It is worth noting that the United States also deploys tactical nuclear weapons abroad, including approximately 100 nuclear gravity bombs stationed in Europe. Putin, who has previously issued nuclear threats during the Ukraine war, criticized the U.S. as the only country to have used nuclear weapons against another nation. When questioned about the transfer decision, Putin stated that he did not wish to cause fear worldwide and assured that the nuclear weapons would only be employed in self-defense.
“These measures can only be utilized if there is a threat to Russian statehood,” Putin emphasized. “All available means at our disposal will be used to counter such a threat.” The deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus adds a significant dimension to the geopolitical landscape, raising concerns and further escalating tensions between Russia and the West.