Navigating Russia's Nuclear Ambitions in Belarus and Ukraine

Russia's deployment of nuclear warheads in Belarus would bring the country deeper under Russian control and change the nature of the relationship between the two countries. The warheads will be under Russian control, and storage facilities are reported to be under construction for completion in early July. Belarusians are traditionally wary of having to choose sides when it comes to political alliances, and the prospect of Russian military bases is hardly more popular. Consolidating his control over Belarus would be a significant strategic victory for Putin's imperial ambitions.