The world’s nuclear order is complex, delicate, and deeply rooted in global agreements.
So, when Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko declared he now controls nuclear weapons stationed in his country, the announcement sent ripples of concern across Europe and beyond.
This development comes as tensions remain high between NATO allies and the Belarus-Russia bloc, according to SE.
With war raging in Ukraine and fears of escalation lingering, the idea of an additional “red button” has raised critical questions about responsibility, control, and the region’s security.
Claims of Control
According to Alexander Volfovich, Secretary of the Belarusian Security Council, Lukashenko has his own “nuclear briefcase,” allowing him to command the weapons stationed on Belarusian soil.
This mirrors the authority granted to Russian President Vladimir Putin over nuclear assets in Russia. Volfovich emphasized that any use of the weapons within Belarus would require Lukashenko’s direct order.
The tactical nuclear weapons in question were moved to Belarus starting in 2023, a move initiated by Russia. These weapons are reportedly far more powerful than the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Lukashenko himself has been vocal about their destructive potential, stating he wouldn’t hesitate to use them if Belarus were attacked.
The presence of these weapons has heightened security concerns in neighboring countries like Poland and Lithuania.
Their proximity to European Union borders is viewed as a deliberate attempt to intimidate and destabilize.
Critics argue that even if Lukashenko’s claims are exaggerated, the deployment alone signals a significant escalation in nuclear posturing by the Belarus-Russia alliance.
Questions of Autonomy
While Lukashenko insists on his authority, many experts doubt the Belarusian president has true independent control.
They suspect Moscow holds significant sway over the weapons, using Belarus as a staging ground rather than ceding full command.
This uncertainty only deepens fears of miscalculation.
As one regional analyst noted:
“It’s not just about who holds the button. It’s about how many buttons there are and who’s watching them.”
