Belarusian state media said on Tuesday (May 7) that the nation has started checks on the readiness of its army to deploy tactical nuclear weapons. The orders were apparently given by President Alexander Lukashenko.

Belarus conducts tactical nuclear inspection on Alexander Lukashenko orders

Russia hit back at US President Joe Biden who raised concerns against Moscow’s move to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, saying that Washington doesn’t have a stand on the issue as it has been doing the same in Europe.

'Don't lecture us': Russia hits back at Biden over planned tactical nuke deployment in Belarus

The war in Ukraine has raised the nuclear threat level to its highest since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis following the announcement of President Vladimir Putin that Russia will be stationing its tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of neighbouring Belarus.

Explained: What are tactical nuclear weapons, and how Russia may use them?

Ukraine on Sunday (March 26) called for convening an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) over Russia's decision to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.

Ukraine wants urgent UNSC meet over Russia’s nuke deployment plans in Belarus

With the Russia-Ukraine war in its 14th month now, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday he would deploy tactical nuclear weapons inside the territory of its neighbour and ally Belarus, another statement which strongly indicates that the West-Russia rivalry is only here to continue.

Putin to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus; US says will ‘monitor implications’

Senior Russian military officials recently discussed the possibility of using tactical nuclear weapons in the Ukrainian war, sending alarm bells in the Biden administration, US media reported citing an assessment drafted by the National Intelligence Council (NIC).

Russian military officials discussed using nuclear weapons in Ukraine war: Report

From North Korea's recent missile testing spree to the war in Ukraine raged by Russia. Tactical nuclear weapons are now being developed in a way not seen since the Cold War. Watch this video to know more about 'tactical' nuclear weapons and will they be used if World war III breaks out.

What are 'tactical' nuclear weapons? Will they be used if World war III breaks out?

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Russia's ambassador in Britain says Moscow won't use 'tactical nuclear weapons' in Ukraine: Report

In a latest update from the ongoing war, Central Intelligence Agency director William Burns has said that Russian President Vladimir Putin believes that he can't afford to lose in Ukraine, he also said that Putin is doubling down on war which shows no signs of planning to use tactical nuclear weapons.

CIA Director on Putin's goal in Ukraine: 'No signs of deployment of tactical nuclear weapons'