NUCLEAR DRILLS
Lukashenko stated it was solely pure that the Russian weapons had been a part of the Zapad workout routines.
“We’re practising every part there. They (the West) know this too, we’re not hiding it. From firing standard small arms to nuclear warheads. Once more, we should be capable of do all this. In any other case, why would they be on Belarusian territory?” he stated, whereas insisting Minsk was “not planning to threaten anybody”.
The Belarusian defence ministry confirmed the drills included the usage of tactical nuclear weapons and deployment of Russia’s Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile.
Putin has stated the Oreshniks, which he claims are unimaginable to intercept, may very well be deployed in Belarus within the second half of 2025.
US WATCHES CLOSELY
US President Donald Trump has begun cultivating nearer ties with Lukashenko, lengthy handled as a pariah by the West, and final week relaxed some sanctions on Belarus in return for the discharge of 52 prisoners together with political opponents.
US army officers noticed a part of the Zapad workout routines in Belarus on Monday.
Russia’s defence ministry stated Tu-160 strategic bombers rehearsed launching cruise missiles over the Barents Sea, escorted by MiG-31 fighters.
In Murmansk, marines repelled an amphibious touchdown in drills backed by helicopters and drones. Ships from Russia’s Baltic Fleet and cellular launchers in Kaliningrad additionally test-fired cruise missiles, whereas troops practised finding enemy forces utilizing reconnaissance programs.
