Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko declared on Tuesday that he would not hesitate to use Russian tactical nuclear weapons stationed in Belarus if his nation faces any form of aggression. This strong statement comes after Russia's President Vladimir Putin earlier announced the deployment of these short-range nuclear weapons to Belarus, a move interpreted as a warning to the West amidst its increased military support for Ukraine.

Although Putin has stated that Russia will retain control of these weapons, Lukashenko's declaration seems to contradict this. According to the Belarusian state news agency BelTA, Lukashenko asserted, "Should we face aggression, there would be no hesitation in using these weapons." Russian officials have yet to respond to these remarks.

Lukashenko clarified that he personally requested the deployment of Russian nuclear weapons to Belarus as a deterrent against potential attacks, believing that no country would risk conflict with a nation possessing such weaponry.

During a recent meeting, Putin confirmed that the construction of facilities for these nuclear weapons will be finalized by early July, after which they will be promptly transferred to Belarus.

Tactical nuclear weapons, designed for battlefield use against enemy troops and weaponry, have a limited range and significantly lower yield compared to intercontinental ballistic missiles designed for widespread destruction. Lukashenko stated that Belarus doesn't require Russia's strategic nuclear weapons, adding that Belarus isn't looking to engage in conflict with the United States. However, he mentioned that Belarus is also preparing facilities for intercontinental nuclear missiles as a precautionary measure.

Following the 1991 Soviet Union collapse, Belarus, along with Ukraine and Kazakhstan, which housed a significant portion of the Soviet nuclear arsenal, returned these weapons to Russia under a U.S.-backed agreement. While Russia hasn't disclosed the quantity of tactical nuclear weapons slated for deployment to Belarus, the U.S. estimates Russia possesses approximately 2,000 such weapons, including bombs for aircraft, warheads for short-range missiles, and artillery rounds.

Russia utilized Belarusian territory for its troop deployment into Ukraine in February 2022 and continues to maintain military presence and weaponry within Belarus. Lukashenko, in power for 29 years, has depended on Russia's political and financial support, especially following the 2020 election, which was widely criticized as fraudulent, leading to protests, arrests, and Western sanctions.