Russian ally Belarus has staged simulated nuclear missile launches on NATO’s doorstep amid high tension with the West. In drills with Vladimir Putin’s forces, Iskander-M tactical missiles were delivered to field locations in a show of strength by the repressive states. Belarus shares borders with three NATO states plus Ukraine.

Putin’s defence ministry said: "The personnel of the missile unit of the Republic of Belarus are performing training-combat tasks for receiving special warheads for the Iskander-M operational-tactical missile complex, equipping the carrier missiles, and covertly advancing to the designated area to prepare for launches.

Belarus' defence ministry said: "After the missiles had been loaded onto the launchers, the transport and loading vehicles moved covertly to a new area.

"Once there, the missile unit carried out simulated missile launches at designated targets."

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