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Lukashenko confirms, “Dozens of nuclear warheads deployed in Belarus”

Belarusian president reveals nuclear arsenal and talks about responsibility for use of weapons

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko confirmed to the BelTa news agency that his country has deployed several dozen nuclear warheads. “Many people think this is a joke and that no one has deployed anything. Instead, we have. And the fact that opponents say it’s a joke means they haven’t understood it,” Lukashenko said, stressing the enormous responsibility involved in the use of high-powered weapons. “Since Hiroshima and Nagasaki no one has ever pressed the nuclear button, not even the major powers, let alone Belarus,” he added.

Russian support for nuclear weapons in Belarus

Earlier, Moscow had announced plans to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus at the latter’s request. Russia has provided Minsk with Iskander tactical missile systems, capable of carrying nuclear weapons, and assisted Belarus in re-equipping its aircraft to carry specialized weapons. As early as late April 2024, Lukashenko stated that Russia had deployed several dozen nuclear warheads in Belarus.

Putin and Lukashenko meet.

Recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin traveled to Minsk for a meeting with Lukashenko. Together they chaired the Supreme State Council of the two united countries. “With the signing of the Concept of Union State Security and the Interstate Treaty on Security Guarantees, we are reaching an unprecedented level of the strategic military alliance and coordination in the military sector,” Lukashenko said.

Future plans for Oreshnik missiles

During the meeting, Putin hinted at the possibility of deploying the latest generation of Oreshnik missiles, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, to Belarus. “I consider it possible to deploy weapons such as the Oreshniks on the territory of Belarus,” Putin said, after signing the agreement that provides for mutual security guarantees. The Russian president mentioned a possible deployment date in the “second half of next year.”

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