Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an agreement offering security guarantees to Belarus, including the potential use of Russian nuclear weapons to repel aggression. The signing follows Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine, which places Belarus under the Russian nuclear umbrella.
Speaking alongside Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Putin emphasized that the treaty ensures the security of both countries. However, Lukashenko requested more advanced military equipment, including intermediate-range ballistic missiles, for deployment in Belarus.
Putin agreed to deploy Oreshnik missiles by the second half of next year, subject to Belarus’s selection of targets. The move is seen as a response to Ukraine’s strikes on Russian military facilities and is intended to deter aggression against Kyiv’s Western allies.
Belarus’ opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya condemned the security pact, viewing it as part of Moscow’s efforts to tighten control over Belarus.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/russia-belarus-security-agreement-nuclear-doctrine-c07ef5d341f93be6934ac14a77b58f8b