Belarus, a close ally of Russia, has launched a series of military drills involving missiles and warplanes capable of carrying tactical nuclear weapons. This move comes amidst tensions with the West over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The exercises, known as “Shield of Union-2021”, began on September 2nd and are set to continue until September 16th. They are taking place in several regions of Belarus, including the Grodno and Brest regions, which share a border with Poland and Lithuania.
The drills involve the deployment of Iskander-M missiles, one of the most advanced and versatile missile systems in the Russian arsenal. These missiles are capable of carrying conventional or nuclear warheads and have a range of up to 500 kilometers. The exercises also feature the use of Su-30SM and Su-35S warplanes, which are equipped with advanced avionics and can carry a variety of weapons, including tactical nuclear bombs.
The participation of these tactical nuclear weapons in the drills has raised some concerns among Western countries, who view the move as a provocation. However, Belarus and Russia have assured that the exercises are purely defensive in nature and are aimed at improving the readiness and coordination of their armed forces.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994, has emphasized the importance of these military exercises in ensuring the security and sovereignty of the country. He stated that the drills are a response to the growing military presence of NATO near Belarusian borders and the increasing tensions with neighboring Ukraine.
The drills also serve as a show of solidarity between Belarus and Russia, who have maintained a strong alliance for decades. Russia has a military base in Belarus, which serves as a crucial outpost for its western flank. The two countries also have a common defense strategy and regularly conduct joint military exercises.
The timing of these drills is significant, as they coincide with the ongoing tensions between Russia and the United States over the situation in Ukraine. The US and its allies have been supporting Ukraine in its conflict with pro-Russian separatists, while Russia has denied any involvement and has accused the West of interfering in its sphere of influence.
Despite the concerns raised by the West, the Belarusian government has assured that the drills are being conducted in accordance with international obligations and do not pose any threat to neighboring countries. They have invited foreign observers, including representatives from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), to monitor the exercises and ensure transparency.
The Shield of Union-2021 drills have also been met with positive reactions from Belarusian citizens, who view them as a demonstration of strength and readiness to defend their country. Many have expressed their support for the government’s decision to conduct these exercises and have praised the professionalism and capabilities of the Belarusian armed forces.
In conclusion, the military drills launched by Belarus involving missiles and warplanes capable of carrying tactical nuclear weapons are a demonstration of the country’s commitment to its defense and its alliance with Russia. While concerns have been raised by the West, the exercises are being conducted in a transparent and responsible manner, and are crucial in maintaining the security and stability of the region.
