Ukraine Crisis: Vladimir Putin ready to deploy ‘super nuclear weapons’ on Belarus border

Belarusian President Alexander has warned that Belarus is ready to host Russian nuclear weapons amid ongoing tension with the West over Ukraine. Mr Lukashenko aimed the threatening remarks at NATO as he visited a training ground where joint military drills with Russia have been underway. 

Mr Lukashenko said: “If such stupid and mindless steps are taken by all rivals and opponents, we will not only deploy nuclear weapons but super nuclear weapons to protect our country.

“But if there are no threats, we don’t need nuclear weapons for 100 years.”

Belarus is set to host a constitutional referendum on February 27 which could green-light the deployment of Russian nuclear weapons within Belarusian territory. 

Al-Jazeera reporter Step Vaessen noted: “Belarus will hold a referendum next week to amend the country’s constitution not only letting Lukashenka stay in power, but also allowing nuclear weapons from Russia to be based in the country. 

“Lukashenko has been isolated by the West after a violent crackdown on protesters in the past year and a half.

“He turned to Putin for help and in turn, Russia is increasingly using Belarus on the border with NATO as a military training ground.” 

Mr Putin and Mr Lukashenko spent Saturday watching Russian forces flex their military might during massive nuclear drills, which involved multiple practice missile launches.

Belarus has since announced that the two countries will extend joint military exercises, which had been due to end on Sunday, in a move that is likely to create further unease.

“I don’t know anybody who is enjoying this situation in Russia.”

Western fears about an invasion have become more pronounced in the past week, with US President Joe Biden stating on Friday he is “convinced” Mr Putin is preparing to order troops into Ukraine within days.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned that a Russian incursion across the border into Ukraine “could be the biggest war in Europe” since the Second World War, with casualties on both sides.

The British leader, in comments made while at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, said it appeared Moscow’s plan for an offensive had “already in some senses begun”, pointing to the escalation of violence in Russian-backed separatist-held areas in eastern Ukraine.