Russian soldiers participate in joint exercises between the Russian and Belarusian armed forces near the city of Baranovichi (Belarus). (File photo: AFP/VNA)

The personnel of the Leningrad Military District missile unit are practicing combat training tasks. These include obtaining special training ammunition for the Iskander-M operational-tactical missile system, equipping launch vehicles with the ammunition, and covertly advancing to the designated positions for preparing missile launches. The crews of navy ships involved in the training will equip sea-based cruise missiles with special mock warheads before entering designated patrol areas, the Ministry said.

At the end of May, Russian forces began the first stage of military drills involving practical training in the preparation and use of non-strategic nuclear weapons in the Southern Military District. The first stage of the exercise involved Iskander and Kinzhal missiles.

On Monday, Belarus announced that its military participated in phase 2 of Russia's exercises – deploying tactical nuclear weapons. Belarusian Defense Minister Lieutenant General Viktor Khrenin said the exercise aimed to strengthen weapons capabilities, but he did not reveal the location of the exercise or what type of weapon was used.