At the prestigious economic forum in St. Petersburg, President Vladimir Putin made a significant announcement on Friday. He confirmed that he had deployed tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus, marking the first time this information had been disclosed. Putin emphasized that this move was intended to remind the West that Russia cannot be subjected to a strategic defeat. While he acknowledged the presence of Russian tactical nuclear warheads in Belarus, Putin also stated that, for the time being, he did not perceive a need to utilize nuclear weapons.

During a statement at the economic forum in St. Petersburg, President Vladimir Putin confirmed that negotiations with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko had resulted in the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus. This marks the first time that such warheads, which have a shorter range and battlefield application, have been stationed outside of Russia since the Soviet Union's dissolution. Putin stated that this move was intended as a cautionary message to the West regarding their support and arming of Ukraine. The delivery of the initial nuclear warheads has taken place, with the remaining deployment set to be completed either by the end of the summer or the end of the year.

Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus, signaling a deterrent message to the West and warning against seeking a strategic defeat of Russia. The move, Moscow's first outside of Russia since the Soviet era, aims to counter Western support for Ukraine. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko acknowledged the delivery of these weapons, including more powerful ones than the atomic bombs dropped on Japan in 1945. Putin cited the presence of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons in Europe as a justification for this action.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus as a warning to the West regarding its support for Ukraine. While the United States has criticized this move, it has not observed any immediate indication of Russia intending to use nuclear weapons. Putin emphasized that Russia does not currently see the need for such measures, as its nuclear arsenal is meant to ensure the security and existence of the Russian state. He dismissed the possibility of negotiations with the West to reduce nuclear stockpiles, stating that discussing the potential use of nuclear weapons lowers the threshold for their use. Putin also downplayed the success of the Ukrainian counteroffensive against Russian forces, claiming that Ukraine's reliance on external military support hampers its ability to sustain the conflict.

Ukraine has shown resilience in its conflict with Russia, with its military outperforming Russia's larger army in significant retreats. Ukrainian troops are facing resistance in Bakhmut, but they have made gains in recapturing villages and territory. Russia claims to have repelled counterattacks, inflicting severe losses on the Ukrainian army. Putin warns that Western-supplied military equipment would be destroyed if used against Russia, expressing concerns about NATO's involvement in the conflict.