Kremlin creates dangerous nuclear precedent with Belarus deployments – Ukraine’s MFA

The deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus and joint nuclear drills by the two authoritarian regimes represent an unprecedented challenge to the global security architecture that requires a firm international response.

This is stated in a comment by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine regarding the Belarusian-Russian nuclear exercises, Ukrinform reports.

The Foreign Ministry recalled that the joint practice of conducting strikes directly violates key Articles I and II of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which strictly prohibit nuclear-weapon states from transferring control over weapons of mass destruction technology and non-nuclear-weapon signatories from receiving it.

“By turning Belarus into its nuclear staging ground near NATO borders, the Kremlin is de facto legitimizing the proliferation of nuclear weapons worldwide and setting a dangerous precedent for other authoritarian regimes. Such actions must face unequivocal and resolute condemnation from all states that respect the nuclear non-proliferation regime,” the MFA stated.

The ministry added that the militarization of Belarus not only undermines trust in international law but also ultimately turns Minsk into an accomplice in Russia’s nuclear blackmail.

“The audacity of Moscow and Minsk, which have deliberately crossed all NPT ‘red lines’, cannot be left without a firm, consolidated response and systemic deterrence of both regimes by the Euro-Atlantic community and the wider world,” the statement said.

The Foreign Ministry noted that an effective response to Russian-Belarusian saber-rattling near NATO borders should include a sharp increase in sanctions pressure on Moscow and Minsk, a substantial boost in support for Ukraine, which is directly deterring both regimes from further expansion into Europe, enhanced allied presence on NATO’s eastern flank, and deeper security cooperation with Ukraine.

As reported by Ukrinform, Belarus began exercises on Monday, May 18, involving military units practicing the use of nuclear weapons and nuclear support operations. The Belarusian Defense Ministry said the maneuvers are intended “to improve the readiness of the armed forces to use modern means of destruction, including special munitions.”

Missile troops and aviation have been involved. It is claimed that, in cooperation with the Russian side, the drills will practice the delivery of nuclear warheads and preparation for their use.