Russia, Belarus To Sign Mutual Security Deal, Strengthening Ties Amid Rising Tensions

Russia and Belarus are set to sign a treaty on mutual security guarantees, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. The agreement, aimed at strengthening the ties between the two countries, will be finalized during a summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk on Friday, marking the 25th anniversary of their Union State a borderless alliance formed by the two former Soviet republics.

Peskov described the treaty as a “reciprocal initiative” and emphasized that the growing geopolitical situation necessitated the document. The announcement comes after a series of recent developments, including Russia’s decision to lower the threshold for a nuclear strike and extend its nuclear protection to Belarus. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, nuclear weapons were removed from Belarus, but Russia began deploying tactical nuclear missiles there last year as part of its strategic deterrence against the West.

In a recent statement, Lukashenko affirmed that any use of these Russian nuclear weapons would require his personal approval, further solidifying Belarus’ role in this new security framework.

The two countries have also been conducting joint military drills, with a Russian-led military bloc planning exercises in Belarus next September. This growing military cooperation signals deeper integration and a strengthened alliance between Moscow and Minsk, amidst ongoing tensions with the West.