Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on May 21 visited a missile brigade during joint exercises with Russia simulating the combat use of nuclear weapons, in a rare high-profile demonstration of the two countries’ integrated defence capabilities.

The drills are taking place amid heightened tensions between Russia and Nato members, with regional security concerns rising following recent incidents involving drones in the Baltic region.

Moscow and Minsk say the drills are routine training intended to ensure readiness and do not pose a threat to neighbouring countries.

However, Ukraine has said it is increasing defensive measures in its northern regions in response to the exercises, while Western governments have repeatedly warned about the risks of nuclear signalling during the war in Ukraine.

The drills, held in the Osipovichi district, involved the Iskander-M operational-tactical missile system and included what officials described as “electronic launches” simulating nuclear strikes without live firing.

The Belarusian defence ministry said Lukashenko was briefed on “the planned training exercise with military units on the combat use of nuclear weapons and nuclear support,” which it said is being conducted “in cooperation with the Russian side”. 

During the visit, Lukashenko inspected missile systems and command facilities and spoke to crews operating the launchers.

“I once dreamed of this machine. And today we have more than one. And you know better than me that it's a good weapon,” Lukashenko said, according to the defence ministry.

Missile brigade commander Alexander Kravtsov said the simulated launches closely replicated real operational conditions.

“The only difference is that the missile doesn't leave the launcher's guide,” he said. “All crews have fully practiced the entire cycle and all modes. The live and training cycles are completely identical.”

The exercises form part of broader Russia-Belarus nuclear readiness drills that Moscow says are aimed at ensuring coordination of strategic and tactical nuclear forces.

According to Russian President Vladimir Putin, this was the first joint training of its kind involving both countries’ leadership.

He said the drills include “practicing a wide range of tasks, primarily the actions of officials in command and control and interaction during the use of nuclear weapons.”

Putin said Russia’s nuclear forces remained a cornerstone of deterrence, a defence ministry statement said.

“Our nuclear triad must, as before, serve as a reliable guarantor of the sovereignty of the union state of Russia and Belarus,” he said, adding it ensured “strategic deterrence, maintaining nuclear parity, and the balance of power at the global level.”

The Belarusian defence ministry said the exercises also included preparations to deploy Iskander-M systems fitted with “special ammunition” and simulated strikes against designated targets, supported by air force units conducting training sorties.

Lukashenko said the drills were defensive in nature and criticised outside interpretation of the exercises.

“Those who want to see something in this will see something,” he said. “But this is our business; we are engaged in a legitimate matter and will continue to do so, protecting the lives of our people.”

He also said he had discussed the exercises with Russian officials and that cooperation between the two militaries was progressing well.

Russian and Belarusian officials said earlier that nuclear munitions had been delivered to field storage sites as part of the broader exercise programme, which also includes ballistic and cruise missile practice launches.