Russia hands over ‘Iskander’ missile system to Belarus – indications of nuclear weapons deployment at western border of Belarus

Moscow/Minsk – Russia handed the nuclear-capable Iskander missile system to Belarus. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu gave this information. Last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia would deploy its ‘Tactical Nuclear Weapons’ in Belarus. Against this backdrop, the extradition of Iskander to Belarus becomes an attention-grabber. Meanwhile, the Russian ambassador to Belarus hinted that ‘tactical nuclear weapons’ would be deployed on Belarus’ western border. The west border of Belarus is connected to the countries of Latvia, Lithuania and Poland.

Following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, President Putin emphasized increasing defence cooperation with Belarus. While the conflict with Ukraine was going on, President Putin, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and senior officials visited Belarus. The two countries also signed an agreement to enhance defence cooperation. It also provided for deploying missiles, air defence systems, and Russian defence forces.

Besides, according to the agreement between the two countries, Russia has deployed nearly 10,000 troops in Belarus. At the same time, the S-400 defence system was also launched in Belarus. After that, Russia signalled that its cooperation has strengthened by handing over the nuclear-capable Iskander missile system to the defence forces of Belarus.

Meanwhile, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko demanded nuclear weapons from Russia a few months ago. According to this demand of Belarus, Russia will also deploy nuclear weapons. It is said that the work of the base to be built for storing nuclear weapons in Belarus will be completed by July, after which the Russian nuclear weapons will be deployed in Belarus.

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