Belarus deploys Iskander missiles: Lukashenko warns Ukraine

Aleksandr Lukashenko claims that Belarus has deployed Iskander missile systems along the border with Ukraine. This is purportedly in response to the "increased activity of the Ukrainian military in the border area."

Many of the reports conveyed by Russian media and government representatives are likely not authentic. Such reports may be an element of the information war from the Russian Federation.

On Wednesday, 3 July, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Belarus's liberation from Nazi invaders, Aleksandr Lukashenko decided to flaunt his nuclear arsenal, which was allegedly provided to him by Russia. He warned Ukraine that he had deployed his nuclear capability along the border between the two countries.

This is related to – as he claims – the increased activity of the Ukrainian military at the borders of Belarus. According to the dictator, his border guards and military have already intercepted "dozens" of drones from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which were carrying "the most modern explosives" to destroy targets on Russian territory.

The Polonaise and Iskander missile systems have been positioned. It is also known what ammunition they have. Furthermore, the air defence forces of Belarus and Russia are in a high state of combat readiness – said Lukashenko.

Information that Russian President Vladimir Putin handed over the Iskander missiles to Lukashenko's regime appeared in 2022. Putin also announced the construction of storage facilities for tactical nuclear weapons on Belarusian territory and the adaptation of Belarusian military aircraft to use them.

In April 2024, Belarusian authorities updated their military doctrine. This document mentions Russia as a strategic ally of Belarus. Any use of military force against either of the two countries will be met with "retaliation using all forces and means."

Lukashenko also announced that in case of "further provocations," Belarus may directly join the war in Ukraine and open a new front on the border between the two countries.

What, open another 932 miles of the front? Yes, it won't be easy for us to close this border with the Russians, but it will be even harder for the Ukrainians to maintain this border – said the dictator.

Since the war began, Aleksandr Lukashenko's regime has supported Russian military actions. However, it has not actively joined the war. Russian troops have not attacked Belarusian territory. Nevertheless, Ukrainians are securing the border with Belarus in case of a potential strike. Defence lines are being expanded, and border areas are being mined.