Putin Signs Security Pact with Belarus, Expands Nuclear Doctrine

Russia formalizes nuclear umbrella over Belarus, allowing potential use of tactical nuclear weapons in response to aggression.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a treaty with Belarus, providing mutual security guarantees and extending Russia's nuclear doctrine to include its ally.
The updated doctrine lowers the threshold for Russia's use of nuclear weapons, permitting their use in response to conventional attacks threatening sovereignty or territorial integrity.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko requested deployment of Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missiles, which Russia may station in Belarus by 2025 under Moscow's control.
Putin emphasized that the pact ensures the security of both nations, while critics argue it tightens Russian control over Belarus and escalates regional tensions.
The agreement follows U.S. approval for Ukraine to use long-range missiles inside Russian territory and coincides with Russia's continued military actions in Ukraine.