Putin, Lukashenko launch joint exercises involving nuclear forces of Russia and Belarus

According to Ukrinform, Belarusian state news agency BELTA reported this in an article.

It is noted that Lukashenko joined the conversation from one of the Belarusian Defense Ministry's military command posts.

"Indeed, these are the first such joint exercises. But it turns out our general staffs and defense ministers conduct them quarterly in terms of elements and components — just without us (the leaders of Russia and Belarus). You and I discussed the prospect of presidential participation back in winter," Lukashenko said.

He also claimed that Belarus and Russia are allegedly threatening no one.

"But we have such weapons, and we are ready to defend our common homeland from Brest to Vladivostok in every possible way. If we possess something, we must know how to use it," Lukashenko added.

During the conversation, he reported to Putin that he had "inspected all the facilities" and that "everything is in good condition."

It is also reported that Lukashenko inspected the equipment park of a missile brigade in the Asipovichy district and visited the commander's command post. He was shown an Iskander-M missile launcher and a simulated nuclear missile strike exercise involving an electronic launch. It was claimed that all actions were carried out as they would be in real combat conditions, although no actual missile launch took place.

Russian and Belarusian propaganda traditionally portray these exercises as "routine" and "defensive," claiming they are intended to "protect sovereignty" against alleged threats from NATO and Ukraine.

As Ukrinform previously reported, Belarus began exercises on May 18 involving military units responsible for the combat use and support of nuclear weapons. Belarusian defense officials stated that the drills are being conducted "to improve the readiness of the armed forces to use modern means of destruction, including special munitions."

Missile forces and aviation units were involved in the exercises. It is claimed that, "in cooperation with the Russian side," the drills will practice the delivery of nuclear munitions and preparations for their use.

The Russian Armed Forces are conducting exercises from May 19 to 21 involving the preparation and use of nuclear forces "under conditions of a threat of aggression."

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry stated that the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus and the joint nuclear exercises of the two dictatorships constitute an unprecedented challenge to the global security architecture and require a strong international response.