Ukraine Deploys Massive Security Operation Along Russia, Belarus Borders

On 21 May 2026, Russia and Belarus held joint exercises of their nuclear forces, which Putin and Lukashenko oversaw. Russian troops delivered nuclear warheads to a missile brigade in Belarus during the drills, and munitions were moved to field sites. Russian state media published video of a nuclear missile drill in Belarus.

Putin said the nuclear triad will continue to guarantee the sovereignty of Russia and Belarus. Euronews wrote of rising NATO tensions, and the Kyiv Post reported that Ukraine deployed a large security operation along its borders with Russia and Belarus.