The move formalized the deal agreed on earlier by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Putin previously announced in March that his country planned to deploy tactical, comparatively short-range and small-yield nuclear weapons in Belarus.
The inking of the deal comes as Russia braces for Ukraine's much-anticipated counteroffensive. Both Russian and Belarusian officials framed the step as driven by hostility from the West.
"Deployment of nonstrategic nuclear weapons is an effective response to the aggressive policy of countries unfriendly to us," Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin said in Minsk during a meeting with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Shoigu.
"In the context of an extremely sharp escalation of threats on the western borders of Russia and Belarus, a decision was made to take countermeasures in the military nuclear sphere," Shoigu added.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'Respect, trust and care are non-negotiable in a marriage'
People today are at a phase where relationships fail in front of the modern-day challenges. However, in contrast, there are Anup Kumar Roy Choudhury and Lata Roy Choudhury, who set an inspiring example of how relationships are kept alive. Married on 12 July 1976, the couple has spent 48 years together overcoming numerous problems and unexpected trials.
Shadows, light and symphonies: Kim Barbier illuminates Kolkata with Western classical elegance
As the crisp evening air gave a slight shiver, the daylight dwindled with flocks of birds flying back home, and the smell of fall engulfed the city.
Spring in Sandalwood forest
reeparna thinks about Kolkata while seated in her chamber at the Bhagabatpur rural health centre. She believes her best days are being spent in this health centre.
Dev Deepawali: Binding India's spirituality & divinity
Being presented as the \"Festival of Lights for the Gods\", Dev Deepawali is one of the most special events that Varanasi celebrates. It usually takes place fifteen days after Diwali on the full moon day.
A closer look at Justice Sanjiv Khanna's landmark rulings as he takes oath as 51st CJI
Justice Sanjiv Khanna assumed office as the 51st Chief Justice of India on Monday, following Justice DY Chandrachud's tenure.
Have we 'woken' up?
Pundits, politicians, and public commentators intensely debate the election results, I caution against hyperbole and overinterpretation of what was, in reality, a close race, though the margin of victory looks wider than it actually is, due to the special quirk of the electoral college system.
BGT: Team India jolted by Gill's thumb injury ahead of opening Test in Perth
Star opener Shubman Gill picks up injury during practice, creates headache for coach Gautam Gambhir
Paine worried over Gambhir's temperament
Former Australia skipper Tim Paine hit out at Gautam Gambhir for his coaching style ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, and went on to state that he could not be a great fit into the Indian team as head coach.
Samson becomes first batter with 2 T20I tons in single calendar year
Sanju Samson delivered a breathtaking performance of batsmanship at the Wanderers Stadium here on Friday, smashing his third T20I century in the fourth match of the series against South Africa.
Paul Pogba and Juventus agree to terminate contract
Paul Pogba and Juventus have mutually agreed to part ways as the French midfielder faces an 18-month ban from football.
