Upon his arrival in Minsk, Putin stated that the agenda for his discussions with Lukashenko includes "the second phase of exercises with the direct participation of our Belarusian friends and colleagues in the military sphere." This phase reportedly involves the use of tactical nuclear weapons.
Russian media have detailed that these joint military exercises are a continuation of previous drills. Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry announced the start of "the first phase of exercises" that simulate the use of tactical nuclear weapons.
The exercises are framed as a response to "aggressive statements" from Western leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, which the Kremlin perceives as threats to Russia's security, serving as a warning to Western countries against further involvement in the conflict in Ukraine, Reuters reported.
According to media, Putin has arrived in Belarus with a large Russian delegation, with the Russian leader’s plane being escorted by four fighter jets - two from the Russian and two from the Belarusian Air Force.
The Belorussian Gajun news portal reports that Russia's new Defense Minister Andrei Belousov and Rosatom head Alexei Likhachev are also a part of the delegation.
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Source: IAR