Russia and Belarus stage joint nuclear weapons drills
Russia and Belarus have staged joint nuclear weapons drills, with the Belarus defence ministry stating that the exercises are not directed against third countries and do not pose a threat to regional security. The drills involve the practice of delivering nuclear munitions and preparation for their use in cooperation with Russia. The move has been met with concern from Ukraine, which has condemned the deployment of tactical weapons in Belarus as an unprecedented challenge to global security.
- ▪Russia deployed nuclear-capable hypersonic missiles to Belarus last year, increasing the stakes in its rivalry with the NATO military alliance.
- ▪The joint drills involve aviation and missile forces, with the goal of practicing issues related to the delivery of nuclear munitions.
- ▪Ukraine's foreign ministry has condemned the drills, stating that they constitute an unprecedented challenge to global security and set a dangerous precedent for other authoritarian regimes.
5 outlets in our directory ran this story, first to last over 11 hours. Coverage spans 2 points on the political spectrum — 3 lean left, 1 centre.
- ▪ Belarus dismisses concerns as it launches joint nuclear drills with Russia — Al Jazeera English
- ▪ Belarus launches joint drills with Russia to practice nuclear weapons use — ABC News — International
- ▪ Belarus holds nuclear weapons drills, Defence Ministry says — The Hindu — Top
- ▪ Belarus holds nuclear weapons drills, defence ministry says — Straits Times — World
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| Original publisher | France 24 (EN) |
| Canonical URL | https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20260518-russia-and-belarus-stage-joint-nuclear-weapons-drills |
| Publication time | Mon, 18 May 2026 16:18:53 GMT |
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Advertising Home Europe Russia and Belarus stage joint nuclear weapons drills Europe Moscow and Minsk held joint military drills to practice using Russian nuclear weapons, the Belarus defence ministry said on Monday. Russia deployed nuclear-capable hypersonic missiles to its western neighbour last year, and in 2024 released revised doctrine placing Belarus under its nuclear umbrella. Issued on: 18/05/2026 - 18:18Modified: 18/05/2026 - 18:19 2 min Reading time Share By: FRANCE 24 File photo: In this image from video provided by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Monday, December 29, 2025, Russia's Oreshnik missile system is seen during a training in an undisclosed location in Belarus.
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