Russia to deploy short-range tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus

(Worthy News) – Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Friday that he will deploy short-range tactical nuclear weapons to neighboring ally Belarus next month, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports.

Putin began his invasion of Ukraine on February 24 by sending Russian troops into the country from Belarusian territory.

Putin first announced his intention to deploy nuclear weapons to Belarus earlier this year, in a move that was taken by analysts as warning to the West against increasing military support for Ukraine, TOI reports. Friday’s announcement comes as Ukraine appears to have begun its long-expected counteroffensive.

With a relatively short range, tactical nuclear weapons are intended to wipe out enemy troops and weaponry on the battlefield: by comparison, nuclear warheads attached to long-range strategic missiles can destroy entire cities, TOI said.

During a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Friday, Putin said the nuclear weapons will be transferred soon after the structures that are to house them are ready. Putin did not specify how many weapons would be deployed but asserted that they would remain under Russian control.

“Everything is proceeding as planned,” Putin said in a televised statement . “On July 7-8 the preparations of the relevant facilities will be completed and we will immediately start the activities linked to the deployment of those weapons on [Belarusian] territory.”

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