Putin: "We Will Deliver Nuclear Warhead-Carrying Missiles to Belarus"

Putin "Iskander-M Tactical Missile Systems to be Relocated Within Months"

[Asia Economy International Department Reporter] Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that within a few months, he will deliver missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads to Belarus.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to AFP and other sources, President Putin made this statement on the 25th (local time) during a meeting with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko in Saint Petersburg.

President Putin said, "In the coming months, we will transfer the Iskander-M tactical missile system, which can be used as ballistic or cruise missiles," adding, "This system can be used in both conventional and nuclear missile versions." He also proposed modifying Belarusian military aircraft to be capable of deploying nuclear weapons.

President Putin stated, "Many Sukhoi (SU)-25 fighter jets are in use by the Belarusian military," and added, "These aircraft can be upgraded appropriately." He continued, "The modernization should take place at Russian aircraft factories, and personnel training should be conducted accordingly," and said, "We will agree on how to achieve this." Since invading Ukraine in February, President Putin has mentioned the possibility of using nuclear weapons several times.

President Lukashenko revealed last month that Belarus purchased Iskander missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads and S-400 surface-to-air missile systems from Russia.