Lukashenko visits nuclear-related military drills, says he used to “dream of this machine”

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has visited a military drill involving nuclear weapons and the Iskander-M launch system in the Osipovichi district, saying that when he was younger, he "used to dream of this machine."

He inspected the equipment and a command post, spoke with the crew of the system and emphasised the importance of training personnel and commanders, Caliber.Az reports, citing Belarusian media.

“When I was younger, I used to dream of this machine. And today we have more than one. And you know better than I do that this is a good weapon,” he said.

During the visit, Lukashenko was briefed on training exercises involving units practising the use of nuclear weapons and the support of related operations.

An electronic simulation of a nuclear missile strike was also demonstrated, without an actual launch.

The drills are being conducted in coordination with the Russian side.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov