The recent relocation of nuclear arms to Belarus by Russian President Vladimir Putin has intensified the trepidation of an imminent global conflict, potentially escalating to a third World War. This alarming development transpires as the Russian-Ukrainian conflict under Putin's command continues to worsen.
Belarus, under President Alexander Lukashenko, directly borders Ukraine to the north. Additionally, Belarus shares its boundaries with three NATO nations. This strategic positioning of the nuclear arsenal in Belarus could potentially allow Putin to strike multiple European capitals, should he target the NATO allies siding with Ukraine.
During the recent Eurasian Economic Forum held in Moscow, Lukashenko confirmed, "We had to prepare storage facilities and the rest [in Belarus]. We've done all of that. This is why the relocation of nuclear munitions began." He was vague about the completion of the operation, stating, "Maybe," when questioned if the nuclear weapons were already in Belarus.
The Daily Star reports that this is the first occasion since 1991 that Russia has stationed nuclear weapons on foreign soil. It is expected that Kremlin military leaders will control these nuclear arms in Belarus, located along the 674-mile border that Belarus shares with Ukraine.
The U.S. State Department openly criticized the recent agreement between Putin and Lukashenko to deploy nuclear weapons in Belarus. U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller labeled it as "the latest example of irresponsible behavior that we have seen from Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine over a year ago."
Miller added, "We have seen no reason to adjust our strategic nuclear posture or any indications that Russia is preparing to use a nuclear weapon."
Earlier, Putin had stationed ten nuclear aircraft carriers in Belarus, which borders Ukraine across nearly 700 miles. Putin announced in March, "We agreed with [Belarusian President Alexander] Lukashenko that we would place tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus without violating the non-proliferation regime."
Despite consenting to the placement of Russian nuclear aircraft carriers and nuclear arms in Belarus, Lukashenko has yet to pledge his nation's troops to the frontline of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
