Russia sent nuclear weapons to Belarus says Vladimir Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed on Friday that Russia had sent nuclear weapons to its ally Belarus, which neighbors Ukraine.

"The first nuclear warheads were delivered to the territory of Belarus... This is the first part," Putin said at the annual economic forum, where AFP and media from other countries Russia considers "hostile" were not accredited.

The Russian leader announced plans to deploy tactical nuclear weapons - less powerful than strategic ones - in March.

"By the end of the summer, by the end of the year, we will complete the process" of transferring tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus, Putin said. Tactical nuclear weapons are combat weapons that, while devastating, have less yield compared to long-range strategic weapons.

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has allowed his territory – which borders Ukraine as well as EU and NA members Poland and Lithuania – to serve as a launching pad for Russia's offensive on Ukraine.

Putin's announcement raised fears of a nuclear conflict, but experts and governments said it was unlikely to change the course of the conflict. Putin said the weapons were meant as a deterrent to "those who are thinking of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia".