Belarus becoming nuclear staging ground: Ukraine reacts to drills by Minsk and Moscow
Illustrative photo: Belarusian army (Getty Images)
Violation of the NPT
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that joint training exercises involving nuclear scenarios contradict key provisions of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
This concerns the prohibition on transferring control over nuclear technologies to non-nuclear-weapon states.
Belarus as part of Russia’s nuclear strategy
The MFA noted that the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons on Belarusian territory near NATO borders effectively changes the regional security architecture.
According to the ministry, such a move creates a dangerous precedent for other states.
Possible consequences and response
The MFA stated that these actions undermine international law and increase tensions.
Possible responses include strengthening sanctions pressure on Russia and Belarus, increasing support for Ukraine, expanding NATO’s presence on its eastern flank, and deepening security cooperation with Kyiv.
It is also noted that military units in Belarus have begun exercises practicing the use of nuclear weapons and nuclear support procedures with Russian participation.
On the evening of May 2, a balloon entered Ukrainian airspace from Belarus. According to available data, it is used as a relay device and may support Russian aerial strike systems.
