Russia says nuclear warheads delivered to Belarus during drills
Russia says nuclear warheads delivered to Belarus (photo: Russian media)
Russia has officially delivered nuclear warheads to the field storage sites of a missile brigade in Belarus as part of nuclear exercises, the Russian Defense Ministry reports.
The Ministry said the Belarusian military is practicing receiving "special munitions" for Iskander-M systems, equipping carrier missiles with them, covert deployment of units, and preparations for launches.
Russian nuclear exercises
Russia began nuclear exercises involving the Strategic Missile Forces, the Pacific Fleet, and the Northern Fleet. They are being held from May 19-21.
More than 200 missile launch systems, over 140 aircraft, 73 surface ships, 13 submarines, and 64,000 military personnel are involved in maneuvers.
Exercises will also include the preparation and use of nuclear weapons in Belarus.
Kremlin said the goal of the maneuvers is to test the combat readiness of troops and "deter the enemy."
Ukraine called the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus and joint nuclear exercises of "two dictatorships" an unprecedented challenge to global security.
Meanwhile, analysts at the Institute for the Study of War believe Moscow is trying to use exercises for information pressure on NATO.
