Russia’s deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus isn’t a threat to other countries. Instead, it’s a move pertaining to the increasing security risks, following the United States’ deployment of its accoutrements in European countries.

Russia Responds with Tactical Nuclear Weapons in Belarus Against Rapid Eastern Europe’s Militarisation

According to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, information wars and cybercrimes became new categories of weapons that have damaged economic relations and international trade.

“By deploying tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus, we are appropriately responding to the rapid militarization of Eastern Europe and the increased military activities of the United States and NATO. Against this background, remaining a consistent supporter of ensuring peace and security, fulfilling previously assumed international obligations, the Republic of Belarus – together with its partners and within the framework of the Union State of Belarus and Russia – is making every effort to strengthen interaction in the fight against transnational challenges and threats of various kinds,” said Lukashenko to the 11th Moscow Conference on International Security participants.

He noted that the stationing of tactical nuclear weapons doesn’t suspend the peace initiatives that Minsk proposes to restart a discussion on the issues regarding European and global security on equal terms.

Lukashenko added that international laws on demilitarisation have been stigmatised. Besides, there are growing threats of mass destruction from weapon use, notably for aggravation encompassing nuclear and biological weapons.

Weapons Deployment in Belarus Not a Threat to Other Countries

According to State Secretary of the Security Council of Belarus Aleksandr Volfovich, the commissioning of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus is a mandatory action that won’t threaten other countries.

“Belarus stands for peace, good neighbourliness, mutual respect, consideration for the interests of other states. Yet, taking into consideration the developments in the neighbouring states, primarily in Poland, and the Baltic Sea countries (deployment of new military units, the arrival of new weapons, and plans to increase military spending), we were forced to take measures of strategic deterrence to ensure security,” said Volfovich.

He added that the deployed armament will only be utilised if someone tries to impinge on the Republic of Belarus’ independent territory. Under other conditions, these nuclear weapons will be kept in warehouses in accordance with the rules and regulations. Moreover, they surmise the repercussions of using those deadly weapons.

Belarus, Russia’s Inherent Trajectory of Indiscriminate Crusade Against the West

In July of this year, Russia began relocating the Wagner Mercenary Group to Belarus, raising doubts and uneasiness among the neighbouring countries. Poland withstood another perturbation when two Belarusian armed helicopters (Mi8 and Mi24 ) violated its airspace on August 1st.

The presence of the Wagner Mercenary Group in Belarus complements Russia’s wedge strategy. Although there are not more than 5,000 Wagnerites in the region, they’re placed without a heavy arsenal. Even if this reduces the threat, they can still use Belarusian ordnance and Russian equipment if necessary.

The group’s deployment in northern Kyiv restrains a part of the Ukrainian forces, which must be ready to stave off likely raids. The vast Pripyat dike marshlands make a light defence for probable means of belligerent action along a huge part of the Belarusian-Ukrainian border.

Additionally, the Wagnerites can become a utilitarian tool in Putin’s hybrid campaign against NATO’s eastern boundary. Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Wagner Mercenary Group’s presence in Belarus is part of a psychological operation to sway European societies and decision-makers. It wants the public to live with anxiety, establishing insecurity and resulting in less support for anti-Russian policies, diminishing confidence in those in power, and offering new levels of schism.

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