Belarus Announces Training with Nuclear Weapons
(MENAFN) Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin revealed on Wednesday that the forthcoming Zapad-2025 military drills will incorporate training exercises involving nuclear weapons and Russia's sophisticated Oreshnik missile system.
This announcement highlights the growing emphasis on strategic defense capabilities during the joint maneuvers.
Addressing a press conference in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, Khrenin emphasized that nuclear arms are "an important element of strategic deterrence."
He underlined the necessity of readiness in the face of rising tensions, stressing the need to stay vigilant.
"In accordance with the head of state’s directives, we must be prepared for any scenario. Given the situation along our western and northern borders, we cannot remain passive amid increasing militarization and military activities. We maintain transparency and peaceful intentions, but 'powder should always be kept dry,'" Khrenin stated.
The Zapad-2025 exercises are scheduled to take place across Belarus from September 12 to 16.
These maneuvers will center on deploying troop units to safeguard the military security of the Union State, which includes Belarus and Russia.
The joint forces will engage in practicing air defense strategies and countermeasures against enemy sabotage operations.
In a recent declaration, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko affirmed that "no one wants to use nuclear weapons," yet warned that if Belarus were attacked, it would retaliate "with all available means."
This statement underscores the country’s firm stance on defending its sovereignty.
Lukashenko also highlighted the advanced capabilities of the Russian-built Oreshnik missile system, expected to be delivered to Belarus by the end of 2025.
He noted that this complex can be equipped with nuclear warheads, and pointed out that Russia’s deployment of nuclear arms in Belarus has fundamentally changed the nature of discussions with the United States and other Western countries.
Earlier, on March 25, 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that, responding to Minsk’s request, Moscow would station its tactical nuclear weapons on Belarusian soil, paralleling the approach taken by the US with its allies, further solidifying the military cooperation between the two nations.
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