Story perspectives

Belarus hosts Russian nuclear missiles; Ukraine warns attacks

5/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Belarus Defense Ministry announced training to deliver Russian nuclear munitions on its soil, saying the drills are defensive.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Russia may launch operations from Belarus against Ukraine’s north or a NATO member.
President Alexander Lukashenko agreed to host Russian tactical nuclear and Oreshnik missiles, while the Kremlin dismissed Zelensky’s warning and said President Vladimir Putin will deploy a new Sarmat missile by year-end.

History

Historical Context

In 1996 Belarus honored the Budapest Memorandum by removing its Soviet nuclear arsenal, eliminating about 30 warheads under security guarantees from the United States, United Kingdom and Russia and NATO verification. The economic and defence partnership with Russia, formalised in the 1996-99 Union State treaties and backed by President Lukashenko, lets Moscow station tactical nuclear missiles on Belarusian soil, echoing the 1996 reversal.

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Story summary

Belarus Defense Ministry announced training to deliver Russian nuclear munitions on its soil, saying the drills are defensive.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Russia may launch operations from Belarus against Ukraine’s north or a NATO member.
President Alexander Lukashenko agreed to host Russian tactical nuclear and Oreshnik missiles, while the Kremlin dismissed Zelensky’s warning and said President Vladimir Putin will deploy a new Sarmat missile by year-end.

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