Russia and Belarus: Escalating Nuclear Readiness
Russia and its close ally Belarus have significantly increased their nuclear readiness, stoking fears of a potential nuclear conflict. Following weeks of joint exercises, Belarus has declared its readiness to use tactical nuclear weapons. Pavel Muraveiko, Chief of the General Staff of the Republic's Armed Forces, confirmed the success of these exercises, stating that Belarusian armed forces are now prepared to deploy these weapons if necessary.
The exercises involved Iskander-type operational-tactical missile systems and Su-25 fighter jets, which were moved to designated positions and equipped with special ammunition. This move follows the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus last summer, with President Alexander Lukashenko revealing that several dozen nuclear warheads are now stationed in the country.
Global Nuclear Tensions on the Rise
The joint exercises between Russia and Belarus have heightened concerns about the use of nuclear weapons in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and against Western countries. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute warned in its annual report about the increasing spread of nuclear weapons globally. The report highlighted the risk of the termination of the six-decade-long nuclear arms control project, with Russia and the United States possessing around 90% of the world's nuclear arsenal.
Russia's recent actions, including the suspension of its participation in the START Treaty and the withdrawal from the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, have further strained international stability. The arrival of a Russian nuclear-powered submarine in Cuba and subsequent exercises near NATO member states have brought back memories of Cold War tensions.
Mutual threats between Russia and NATO have escalated, with Russian President Vladimir Putin warning that the Kremlin's nuclear doctrine allows for the use of nuclear weapons if the state's existence is threatened. NATO has responded by enhancing its nuclear preparations, committing to modernizing its nuclear capabilities and ensuring the credibility of its deterrence mission.
- The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute's report emphasized the increasing number of operational nuclear warheads, despite the overall decline in the world's total nuclear arsenal. This trend is expected to continue and possibly accelerate in the coming years.
- Russia's foreign policy document, issued by the Kremlin in March 2023, underscores the importance of nuclear weapons in maintaining its international standing. The document highlights Russia's significant resources, its status as a permanent member of the Security Council, and its role as one of the two largest nuclear powers.
