19:22 22-05-2026

Belarus Ready to Store Russian Nuclear Weapons, Media Says

Military Watch Magazine says Belarus retained infrastructure for storing and servicing Russian nuclear weapons as Moscow and Minsk held nuclear deterrence drills.

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Belarus has all the necessary infrastructure for storing and servicing Russian nuclear weapons, Military Watch Magazine writes.

The American publication notes that despite Minsk’s renunciation of nuclear weapons in the mid-1990s, the country retained a significant part of the relevant infrastructure, as well as the necessary knowledge and experience to work with a nuclear arsenal. The article emphasizes that the Belarusian side has repeatedly pointed this out when discussing the possibility of deploying Russian nuclear weapons on its territory.

From May 19 to 21, Russia and Belarus held a joint drill of nuclear deterrence forces. Presidents Vladimir Putin and Aleksandr Lukashenko observed the maneuvers via video link. All components of Russia’s nuclear triad were involved in the exercises — from Yars intercontinental missiles to hypersonic Kinzhal and Zircon missiles.

Western media called the exercises an unprecedented signal. The Kremlin, in turn, stated directly that any such exercises are a signal.

In 2023, Russia deployed nuclear weapons on Belarusian territory. Vladimir Putin stressed at the time that Moscow was not violating its international obligations. According to the Russian president, Russia acted in the same way the United States had acted for decades by deploying its nuclear weapons in Europe.