Russian tactical nuclear weapons have been delivered to storage sites in Belarus, according to the Russian Defence Ministry. The delivery comes as Russia starts its largest tactical nuclear military exercises since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. The ministry said the deployment will help Russian and Belarusian forces stay ready to protect their "Union State" against outside threats.

The exercises involve over 60,000 troops and different parts of the Russian military, including air and naval forces. The drills focus on moving, preparing, and practising the use of non-strategic nuclear weapons, especially with the Iskander-M missile system. Crews are training for fast deployment and "electronic launches" without real missiles.

Belarus has worked more closely with Russia for months and has hosted Russian troops since early 2022. Experts say that keeping nuclear weapons in Belarus may change the region’s security situation. Western countries have criticised this move. Intelligence agencies are now watching to see if the nuclear weapons will stay in Belarus permanently.