Belarus Russia Joint Nuclear Drills
Analysis based on 6 articles · First reported May 18, 2026 · Last updated May 18, 2026
The joint nuclear drills between Belarus>>> and Russia>>>, coupled with the deployment of nuclear-capable missiles in Belarus>>>, significantly heighten geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe. This could lead to increased defense spending by NATO>>> members like Poland>>>, Latvia>>>, and Lithuania>>>, and potentially impact energy markets due to heightened instability.
Belarus>>> and Russia>>> have launched joint military drills to practice the use of tactical nuclear weapons deployed by Moscow on Belarusian territory. This includes the intermediate-range nuclear-capable Oreshnik (missile) missile system, which Russia>>> has previously used conventionally against Ukraine>>>. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko>>> has allowed this deployment, aligning Belarus>>> with Russia>>>'s revised nuclear doctrine. Russia>>>n President Vladimir Putin>>> stated that Russia>>> will maintain control over the weapons but permit Belarus>>> to select targets. The drills, which involve missile units and warplanes, are described by Minsk as pre-planned and not aimed at third countries, despite bordering NATO>>> members Poland>>>, Latvia>>>, and Lithuania>>>. Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya>>> criticized the move, arguing it turns Belarus>>> into a target. Ukraine>>>an President Volodymyr Zelenskyy>>> expressed concerns about Russia>>>'s efforts to draw Belarus>>> further into the conflict.
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