Russia's Reliable Guarantee Must Be Established, Says Putin

The nuclear triad must become a reliable guarantor of the sovereignty of Russia and the Union State with Belarus. This was stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a video conference with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko, according to Коммерсантъ.

During the call, the forces of the two countries tested the application of nuclear capabilities.

“Given the rising tensions in the world and the emergence of new threats and risks, our nuclear triad, as before, must serve as a reliable guarantor of sovereignty...” Putin said.

Russia and Belarus began joint nuclear exercises on May 19, which will last until May 21. Vladimir Putin noted that this is the first joint training of Russia and Belarus in the management of strategic and tactical nuclear forces.

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the events involve strategic missile forces, the Northern and Pacific fleets, long-range aviation command, and some units from the Leningrad and Central military districts. More than 64,000 servicemen and over 7,800 units of military equipment are involved.