Experts are sounding the alarm over significant developments as Russian President Vladimir Putin showcases his nuclear capabilities once more. Putin oversaw joint military exercises in Belarus this week alongside President Alexander Lukashenko. The drills featured the latest intermediate-range nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system.

During the exercises, Putin emphasized the importance of enhancing the readiness of strategic and tactical nuclear forces. The drills involved a large deployment of military assets, including missile launchers, warships, submarines, aircraft, and troops, totaling 64,000 personnel. Notably, eight submarines were armed with nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The maneuvers included a variety of short and medium-range weapons alongside tests of various missile systems, all hitting their targets successfully. Analysts, like Nikolay Mitrokhin from Bremen University, highlighted the significance of these events for international politics and the global supply of nuclear arms.

Since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Putin has been vocal about Russia’s nuclear capabilities and its control over nuclear weapons in Belarus. The Kremlin’s revised nuclear doctrine now considers any conventional attack supported by a nuclear power against Russia as a joint attack on the country, potentially lowering the threshold for the use of Moscow’s nuclear arsenal.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned of a “devastating” response to the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine. The recent drills were described by Minsk and Moscow as a response to a perceived threat of aggression, although the exact nature of this threat remains unclear.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concerns about potential Russian expansion into Belarus and the implications for the ongoing conflict. Despite speculations of a new offensive in northern Ukraine, experts suggest that the current Russian forces in Belarus may not be sufficient for such a move.

Putin faces challenges both internationally and domestically, with ongoing military operations in Ukraine and internal discontent. Recent events, including Ukrainian attacks on Russian infrastructure and gains in territory, indicate a complex situation for Russia. Additionally, a Ukrainian drone attack on a Russian oil terminal further escalates tensions, showcasing the ongoing conflict between the two countries.