Belarus Leader Lukashenko Given Nuclear Briefcase and “Red Button”

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has now gained control over a "nuclear briefcase" and the authority to deploy nuclear weapons located within his country's territory.

This was reported by Alexander Volfovich, State Secretary of the Security Council of Belarus, on December 6, in Minsk, ahead of the Supreme State Council of the Union State meeting, as reported by a Belta  correspondent.

On December 6, Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Lukashenko signed an agreement on mutual security guarantees between the two countries. According to Putin, the agreement includes provisions for utilizing all available forces, including Russian tactical nuclear weapons stationed in Belarus, to ensure the defense of both countries.

When asked about the draft agreement between Belarus and Russia on security guarantees within the framework of the Union State, which is set to be discussed at the Supreme State Council, journalists inquired about the procedures for the use of nuclear weapons outlined in the document.

"I am not authorized to disclose that," Volfovich responded. "Each leader has their own responsibilities, rights, and duties to protect their people and sovereignty. Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko is directly responsible for safeguarding the national interests and citizens of the Republic of Belarus. Similarly, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin has the same rights and obligations for protecting the Russian Federation and its people. Together, both leaders share the responsibility for the fate of the Union State."

When the journalist asked whether each leader has their own “red button," the Secretary of Security Council answered: "Each President has their own 'red button,' their own briefcase, and their own nuclear suitcase," adding that this is no joke.

"The weapons located on the territory of Belarus can only be authorized for use by the President of Belarus. Similarly, the weapons on the territory of Russia can only be used or commanded by the President of Russia," Volfovich said.

Additionally, after signing the agreement on security guarantees, Lukashenko asked Putin to deploy new weapons systems in Belarus, including the "Oreshnik" system, which Putin has frequently mentioned recently.

On November 21, Ukrainian Air Forces reported that Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile on the city of Dnipro, Ukraine, for the first time since the start of the full-scale invasion. Later that day, Putin confirmed that Russia had launched its latest ballistic hypersonic missile “Oreshnik” at Ukraine.

On November 19, Putin approved an updated nuclear doctrine for Russia. Under the revised Fundamentals of State Nuclear Deterrence Policy, Russia asserts the right to use nuclear weapons in response to attacks involving weapons of mass destruction against itself or its allies. The doctrine also allows for nuclear use in the event of conventional military aggression against Russia or Belarus.