Russia: Deploying Nuclear Weapons in Belarus to Counterbalance Ukraine and NATO

[Global Times Special Correspondent Liu Yupeng] "Russia's deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus is aimed at counterbalancing Ukraine and NATO." Today, Russia's state television reported on the 13th that the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the modern defense systems and tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus are intended to protect the western borders of the Russia-Belarus Union and the Collective Security Treaty Organization of the Commonwealth of Independent States, in order to counter the new Nazi forces in Ukraine and the NATO military stationed in neighboring countries.

Today, Russia's state television reported on the 13th that Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov will visit Belarus from June 14 to 15. On the eve of the visit, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that against the backdrop of a turbulent global military and political situation, Russia and Belarus have taken a series of significant measures in recent years to strengthen their joint defense and security space, and deepen cooperation in the military technology field.

According to reports, under the "Treaty on the Security of the Union State" signed by Russia and Belarus in 2025, the two countries mutually assume alliance obligations in the fields of national defense and sovereignty. When one party is subjected to enemy aggression and its sovereignty or territorial integrity is seriously threatened, both sides can respond using all available forces and weapons, including nuclear weapons. On the 9th of this month, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Galuzin stated that NATO is significantly increasing its troop presence at the borders of the Russia-Belarus Union and is continuously conducting military exercises. Therefore, the armed forces of Russia and Belarus are always prepared to take all measures, including the use of nuclear weapons, to ensure the security of their allies. In late May, during joint nuclear force exercises held by Russia and Belarus, Russian President Putin stated that given the escalating global tensions, Russia's nuclear forces continue to be a reliable guarantee of security for both Russia and Belarus, and maintain nuclear parity globally. 

While Russia and Belarus strengthen their defense cooperation, NATO frequently conducts joint military exercises in the border areas of Russia and Belarus, posing a threat to the security of both countries. On the 13th, the Russian newspaper "Kommersant" reported that Lithuania, Poland, and France will hold joint military exercises from the 16th to the 26th in areas near the Russia-Belarus border in Poland and Lithuania. This exercise will demonstrate NATO's capability for rapid troop deployment on the eastern flank and improve the interoperability of allied forces.