According to the ministry, the test is “comprehensive” in nature. “Soldiers will move to designated areas, undergo a series of exercises and training, including combat shooting,” reads the statement.

It was also noted that temporary restrictions on civilian traffic may occur due to the movement of military equipment.

In recent years, particularly since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, military exercises have regularly been conducted in Belarus. Information about the “comprehensive combat readiness test” was reported, among other times, in October 2023.

Nuclear weapons in Belarus

At the end of 2023, Russia completed the process of deploying its nuclear weapons on Belarusian territory, raising international concern.

Alyaksandr Lukashenka stated that the deliveries were completed in October, although he did not specify the quantity or locations of deployment.

Tactical nuclear weapons, intended for battlefield use, have limited range and lower yield compared to the more powerful nuclear warheads mounted on long-range missiles. They can have yields as small as about 1 kiloton.

Russia has declared that it will maintain control over the weapons it sends to Belarus.

Lukashenka has indicated that the hosting of Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus serves as a deterrent to NATO-member Poland, which provides military, humanitarian, and political support to Ukraine.