Russia, Belarus ready to use nuclear means to defend Union State DEPUTY FM SAYS

Russia and Belarus are prepared to use “all means”, including nuclear capabilities, to ensure the security of their Union State, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said in an interview with Izvestia newspaper.

Galuzin said the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation was “demonstratively and provocatively” increasing its military presence near the borders of the Union State, prompting closer coordination between Moscow and Minsk.

He said Russia and Belarus were continuously strengthening cooperation between their armed forces and security agencies and remained ready to deploy “all available means” to guarantee their security, including nuclear options.

Galuzin also pointed to ongoing efforts to deepen defence and security integration under a mutual security guarantees treaty signed in December 2024, which commits both countries to support each other in the event of threats to either state.

The two allies already maintain joint military planning, conduct regular exercises, operate an integrated air defence system and coordinate their armed forces.

Nikolai Novik, deputy director of a centre at the Institute of World Military Economy and Strategy at the Higher School of Economics, said the presence of Russian military facilities in Belarus and the integration of defence systems allow for rapid reinforcement in times of crisis.

“The foundation of protection remains conventional armed forces, air defence and the degree of political integration between Moscow and Minsk, while the nuclear factor serves rather as an ‘umbrella’ of strategic deterrence than a tool for addressing everyday military tasks,” he said.

By Tamilla Hasanova