Belarus, Russia strengthen relations with security treaty, possible nuclear weapons

Russia’s relationship with Belarus has become even stronger as the two countries sign a security treaty. The pact solidified Russia’s closest ally, rolling out new facilities to house powerful weapons for Moscow.

The European country borders Russia, and is key for the Kremlin as war continues just past Belarus’ border in Ukraine.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has given Belarus access to its nuclear power, including its newest hypersonic ballistic missile. The country’s doctrine says that if Russia or one of its allies’ sovereignty is threatened, they can use nuclear weapons for protection. The timing comes as tensions mount due to continued support by Western countries for Ukraine.

Following the agreement, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said, “I have warned all my enemies, ‘friends’ and adversaries: If you step on the border, the answer will be momentary.”

Lukashenko has ruled Belarus for 30 years with the help of Russia, including during major protests against his rule in 2020 and 2021.

On Tuesday, Dec. 10, Lukashenko made a public request to Putin. He asked the leader to deploy more weapons to Belarus to “calm some heads.” He asked specifically for the Oreshnik missile, a high-powered missile that Russia has used against Ukraine. According to Putin, the Oreshnik can move at 10 times the speed of sound and hit a target without detection by defense systems.

In response, Putin said these missiles could reach Belarus during the second half of 2025. He said Belarus could choose the targets but would not take command over nuclear power.

Putin maintains that Moscow will retain control of these weapons after they are deployed to Russia’s ally. On the other hand, Belarus’ security council said it’s up to the president to approve them.

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Dissenting, exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya took to X to criticize the pact. Tsikhanouskaya said it strengthens Russia’s control. About Putin, she said, “The deployment of new weapons and using Belarus as a pawn in his imperial ambitions threatens us all.”

In 2022, Lukashenko allowed Russia to use his country as a corridor to send troops into Ukraine. He also said Belarus already holds dozens of tactical weapons that went undetected by the West.