President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin observed joint Russia-Belarus military drills through a video conference link during exercises involving units responsible for the combat deployment of nuclear weapons and nuclear support.

Lukashenko described the exercise as the first joint drill of its kind involving the direct participation of the two presidents, The Caspian Post reports, citing BelTA.

He noted, however, that similar elements and components of such exercises are organized quarterly by the general staffs and defense ministries of both countries.

“Back in winter you and I discussed the possibility of the presidents taking part in it. I absolutely support your stance that we threaten absolutely no one. But we have these weapons and we are ready to defend our joint Fatherland from Brest to Vladivostok by all means. Since we have something in our arms, we should know how to use it,” Lukashenko said.

The Belarusian leader added that he had visited military installations across Belarus and found them to be in proper condition. He also stated that Russian generals involved in the drills expressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation between the two countries.

“I think that the planned events will take place ordinarily. Naturally, those who want to see something else in it, will see it. But it is our business. We are doing a legal thing and we will do it in defense of the life of our people,” Lukashenko added.

He also greeted the military personnel and generals participating in the exercises and congratulated Putin on his recent visit to China.

In his remarks, Vladimir Putin said this was the first joint exercise involving the strategic and tactical nuclear forces of Russia and Belarus. He stressed that nuclear weapons would only be used as a last resort to guarantee the national security of both countries.

“At the same time, taking into account the growing tension in the world, the emergence of new threats and risks, our nuclear triad should continue serving as a reliable guarantor of the sovereignty of the Union State of Russia and Belarus,” Putin stated.

According to the Russian president, the exercises involve a broad range of tasks, including coordination and interaction in the use of nuclear weapons, including those stationed on Belarusian territory. The drills also include practical launches of ballistic and cruise missiles.

Lukashenko joined the video conference from a command post of the Belarusian Defense Ministry, where he had earlier been briefed on the concept and objectives of the ongoing exercise being conducted jointly with Russia.