Putin Signs Security Pact with Belarus, Expands Nuclear Doctrine

Overview

• 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.