Russian and Belarusian relations have a long history characterized by close ties and mutual cooperation. Belarus is a landlocked country, has maintained a strong partnership with its larger neighbor, Russia, since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Russia and Belarus politically, have developed a close relationship through various agreements and organizations. They are both members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), an organization that promotes cooperation among post-Soviet countries. Additionally, Belarus and Russia, along with several other countries, are part of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which facilitates economic integration and cooperation.

Russia has been a significant trading partner for Belarus economically. The two countries have engaged in various economic agreements, including preferential trade arrangements and joint ventures. Russia has provided economic support to Belarus through loans, subsidies, and discounted energy prices. Belarus, in turn, has been an important market for Russian goods and a transit route for Russian energy exports to Europe.

In the realm of security and defense, Russia and Belarus have cooperated extensively. They are both members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a regional defense alliance aimed at ensuring the collective security of its member states. Joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and defense cooperation have been common features of their relationship.

Putin made the announcement of the nuclear deployment strategy. As part of its first such deployment outside of its borders since the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia attempted to place tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, whose leader claimed the warheads were already in motion. The US State Department condemned the deployment strategy but insisted that Washington had no plans to change its stance on strategic nuclear weapons and had not observed any indications that Russia was getting ready to use a nuclear weapon.

Belarus is Russia’s closest ally. A directive allowing Russia to station tactical, shorter-range nuclear weapons inside the nation has been signed, according to Alexander Lukashenko. The weapons are “non-strategic” nuclear weapons, meaning they are not longer-range or higher-yield bombs. Lukashenko claimed that after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the decree, and the transfer of the weapons has already begun. Moscow is permitted to keep weapons at a unique site in Belarus because of to the agreement. According to the accord, which formalizes a previous understanding between the two state leaders and allies, Russia would continue to be in charge of the weapons.

After the Kremlin leader ordered soldiers into Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin claims that the United States and its allies are engaged in an expanding proxy war against Russia. Belarus is Russia’s closest ally. A directive allowing Russia to station tactical, shorter-range nuclear weapons inside the nation has been signed, according to Alexander Lukashenko. The weapons are “non-strategic” nuclear weapons, meaning they are not longer-range or higher-yield bombs. Lukashenko claimed that after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the decree, and the transfer of the weapons has already begun. Moscow is permitted to keep weapons at a unique site in Belarus because of to the agreement. According to the accord, which formalizes a previous understanding between the two state leaders and allies, Russia would continue to be in charge of the weapons. Putin previously declared his intention to use tactical nuclear weapons through Belarus. When meeting with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Shoigu, in Minsk, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin was quoted saying that the deployment of non-strategic nuclear weapons was an effective response to the aggressive foreign policy of those hostile to us.

The deployment of tactical nuclear weapons would undoubtedly escalate the already tense situation between Russia and Ukraine. The use or even the threat of nuclear weapons could lead to a rapid deterioration of the conflict, potentially resulting in a full-scale war with catastrophic humanitarian consequences. Followed by widespread destruction by tactical nuclear weapons designed for use in battlefield scenarios, targeting military installations, troop concentrations, and other strategic targets. The detonation of such weapons would cause significant destruction and loss of life, not only in the immediate target area but also potentially affecting neighboring regions.

An extremely sharp escalation of threats on the western borders of Russia and Belarus, a decision was made to take countermeasures in the military-nuclear sphere. Moscow was granted permission by Minsk to undertake attacks against Ukraine from its territory. Belarus shares a border with Ukraine to the north, and invading via Belarus opened up a front that was not only far wider than using the Russian border in the east of the country but also one that was closer to the capital Kyiv.

In the context of an extremely sharp escalation of threats on the western borders of Russia and Belarus, a decision was made to take countermeasures in the military-nuclear sphere. Moscow was granted permission by Minsk to undertake attacks against Ukraine from its territory. Belarus shares a border with Ukraine to the north, and invading via Belarus opened up a front that was not only far wider than using the Russian border in the east of the country but also one that was closer to the capital Kyiv. Belarus urged Russia to protect Belarus “as its own territory.” A large contingent of Russian soldiers are stationed in Belarus. Lukashenko further urged Russia to defend Belarus in the event of an invasion as Minsk needs “full security guarantees” from Moscow.

The historical and cultural bonds between Russia and Belarus date back centuries. Both nations share a Slavic heritage, a common language, and a similar Orthodox Christian tradition. These factors have contributed to a sense of shared identity and affinity between the peoples of the two countries.