MINSK: Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov announced that Russia might resort to nuclear armaments in response to any aggression against Belarus, underscoring the deepening defense ties between the two nations. The announcement came during Belousov’s visit to Belarus on Wednesday, where discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, APA reports.

According to Azeri-Press news agency, the Belarusian Ministry of Defense issued a statement highlighting the commitment of Moscow and Minsk to enhance their defense cooperation. This move aims to safeguard the sovereignty of both countries. In line with this objective, Belousov emphasized the possibility of deploying nuclear weapons as a deterrent against potential threats to Belarus.

Additionally, the general staffs of Russia and Belarus have initiated preparations for joint military exercises scheduled for 2025. These exercises are part of a broader strategy to bolster military collaboration and readiness between the two allied nations.