JAKARTA - The Belarusian military underwent nuclear exercises amid tensions over the war in Ukraine. The country in Eastern Europe is known to be an ally of Russia.
Quoting AP, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin said the combat drills involved missiles and warplanes capable of carrying tactical nuclear weapons.
A squadron of Su-25 fighter jets took part, including one Iskander short-range missile unit deployed.
Belarusian military exercises were held last Tuesday, a day after Russia responded to statements by Western officials hinting at the possibility of further involvement in the war in Ukraine.
Russia responded by stating that it would hold military exercises that simulated the use of nuclear weapons on the battlefield.
This is the first time Russia has publicly announced military exercises involving nuclear weapons.
Last year, Russia transferred several of its tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus bordering Ukraine and NATO, Poland, Latvia, and Lithuanian members.
However, Moscow stressed that tactical nuclear weapons deployed to Belarus remain under Russian military control.
Unlike nuclear-powered intercontinental ballistic missiles that can destroy a city, the tactical nuclear weapons referred to in the transfer to Belarus have small strengths commonly used against troops on the battlefield. These weapons include air bombs, warheads for short-range missiles and artillery ammunition.
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