Russia and Belarus discussed their joint nuclear exercises via video conference on Thursday (21/5) between Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko. During the conversation, the Russian president emphasized that amid rising international tensions and new security challenges, the nuclear triad serves as a reliable guarantee for the sovereignty of the Russia-Belarus Union State. As he noted, it contributes to achieving strategic deterrence, maintaining nuclear balance, and stability in international power relations.
Putin clarified that one of the main objectives of the exercises is the practical launch of ballistic and cruise missiles. At the same time, he characterized the use of nuclear weapons as an emergency security measure for the country.
👇 Watch: Russia's Putin and Belarus's Lukashenko Observe Their Countries' Nuclear Force Exercises on Videocall https://t.co/MYR0tJgGkM
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Putin: Russia operates based on a planned strategy and is not engaging in an arms race
The Russian president emphasized at another point that “Russia operates based on a planned strategy and is not engaging in an arms race,” adding that his country “is making progress regarding the development of its nuclear forces.”
The Russian Armed Forces are conducting exercises for the preparation and use of nuclear forces under the threat of aggression from May 19 to 21. The exercises are designed for the practical joint preparation and use of nuclear weapons that have been deployed in Belarus. Training in combat use of nuclear weapons and nuclear support for military units began in Belarus on May 18.
