Russia Deploys Nuclear-Capable Missiles in Belarus

A Russian nuclear-capable missile system is now on active combat duty in Belarus. Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko announced the deployment on Tuesday. The system, called *Iskander-M* (NATO reporting name: SS-26 Stone), is a short-range ballistic missile launcher. It can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads. The missiles have a reported range of up to 500 kilometers (310 miles). This move finalizes a plan first announced last year. It marks a major step in the deepening military integration between Belarus and Russia. Since 2022, Belarus has hosted Russian troops and served as a staging ground for the war in Ukraine. The deployment places the weapons systems much closer to several NATO member states, including Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. It also brings them within striking distance of Ukraine's capital, Kyiv. Moscow has not confirmed the nuclear status of the missiles sent to Belarus. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin previously stated he would transfer tactical nuclear weapons to its ally.