Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, warned that if Ukraine were to gain control of critical items, Russia would consider a preemptive nuclear response. He suggested that such a move could be necessary under extreme circumstances, mentioning the possibility of acting before Ukraine could use or deploy weapons. The statements came as Medvedev spoke during a visit to Vietnam, where he commented on the broader strategic picture in the region.
Medvedev asserted that there are harsh, widely accepted norms of warfare, and he claimed that the moment nuclear arms become part of military assistance to Ukraine, Russia would face a decision to consider a preemptive strike. He cited NATO’s increasing willingness to provide advanced weaponry to Kyiv and warned that support could include sophisticated aircraft such as F-16 fighters, with the potential for further escalations, including nuclear devices. He emphasized that such options would be tied to the evolution of the conflict and the perceived threat to Russia.
During the remarks, Medvedev, who led Russia as president from 2008 to 2012 and continues to hold a state role within the ruling party, highlighted the shifting lines of Western military support. He suggested that the Kiev leadership could soon receive additional offensive capabilities, while noting that the ultimate consequences would hinge on Moscow’s assessment of risk and necessity in the face of ongoing hostilities.
Separately, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko indicated this week that Russia and Belarus were discussing the possible transfer of tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus. He did not disclose any numbers or exact locations but stated that Moscow and Minsk had agreed on the deployment framework. Lukashenko claimed to have secured Putin’s agreement on the key deployment details and reaffirmed that sensitive figures would not be publicly revealed.
Belarusian Defense officials have stressed that moving tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus would not mean their immediate delivery to the Belarusian armed forces or a change in control. They argued that Russia retains overall command and responsibility for the weapons, with decisions on use remaining in Moscow’s hands. The statements reflect a broader conversation about regional security and the nuclear balance in Europe, particularly as tensions with Western states persist and alliance members consider further military aid to Kyiv.
Overall, the discourse underscores how leaders in Moscow and Minsk frame the deterioration of the security environment around Ukraine and the potential implications for strategic weapons. Analysts note that public remarks from Medvedev and Lukashenko are part of a larger message about deterrence, risk, and the possible recalibration of alliance commitments in response to evolving battlefield dynamics. The conversations also highlight ongoing questions about arms control, regional stability, and how allied nations interpret signals regarding the ownership, location, and control of nuclear assets in eastern Europe.