Putin and Lukashenko to Discuss Nuclear Strategy in Minsk
Vladimir Putin will hold extensive discussions with his Belarusian counterpart, Aleksandr Lukashenko, on Thursday and Friday in Minsk, Reuters reports.
Russia and Belarus are close allies, with Minsk set to participate this month in exercises designed to simulate preparations for the launch of tactical nuclear weapons.
Belarus has offered logistical support to Russia during its conflict with Ukraine, with Russian forces entering Ukraine from Belarusian territory during their initial offensive against Kyiv in February 2022.
Subsequently, Russia has stored tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, marking the first time it has placed nuclear armament outside its territory since the end of the Cold War.
Separately, the Belarusian news agency BelTA reported on Thursday that Lukashenko has appointed Pavel Muraveko as the Chief of the General Staff of the Belarusian army.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
