Belarus Claims Control Over Nuclear Weapons on Its Territory

President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus asserted his authority over nuclear weapons stationed in his country, stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin cannot activate them without Belarusian permission. Speaking to BBC, he confirmed that while Russian nuclear warheads have been present in Belarus for more than a year, their deployment remains under strict Belarusian oversight.

Lukashenko stressed that these weapons would only be considered for use in response to direct aggression against Belarus. “My approval is mandatory for any use of these weapons,” he stated. He emphasized the purely defensive nature of this nuclear capability, ruling out any offensive operations.

While maintaining his position as a strong Russian ally, Lukashenko has shown independence in certain areas, including his refusal to commit Belarusian forces to the Ukraine conflict despite Moscow’s urgings. He also expressed concern about potential North Korean military involvement in Ukraine, suggesting it would worsen the current situation.

The Belarusian leader made these remarks while attending the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, where he took a clear position on nuclear authority within his borders.