NATO on High Alert as Belarus Conducts Drills with Russian Tactical Nuclear Weapons

Belarus Conducts Drills with Tactical Nuclear Weapons, Raising Concerns

NATO countries were placed on high alert after Belarus announced it would be conducting drills with its Russian tactical nuclear weapons. This move comes amidst heightened tensions between Russia and the West, with the Kremlin warning of a potential "explosion."

Last year, Russia moved some of its tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus, which borders Ukraine and NATO members Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania. These weapons include Iskander short-range ballistic missiles, capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

On Tuesday, Belarus carried out exercises with the Iskanders and Su-25 fighter jets. These maneuvers began a day after Russia announced similar drills, raising concerns that Belarus could be preparing for a more active role in the war in Ukraine.

Belarusian officials claim the drills are "exclusively defensive" and intended to deter any potential attack on the country. They also emphasize that the tactical nuclear weapons remain under the control of the Kremlin.

However, the deployment of these weapons to Belarus allows Russian forces to reach targets in Ukraine more easily and quickly. It also extends Russia's capability to target several NATO allies in Eastern and Central Europe.

This development has heightened concerns about the potential escalation of the conflict in Ukraine and the possibility of a wider war involving NATO. It underscores the critical need for de-escalation and diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.