Belarus launched an exercise in coordination with Russia involving Belarus military units tasked with the combat use of nuclear weapons and nuclear support operations, the Belarusian defense ministry said on Monday, May 18.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. The ministry said the exercises are aimed at increasing the readiness of Belarusian armed forces to use “modern means of destruction, including special munitions.” The exercise is being led by the chief of the Belarusian General Staff, who also serves as first deputy defense minister, according to the statement. Belarus said missile forces and military aviation units are taking part in the exercise. During the training, Belarusian and Russian personnel are expected to practice the delivery of nuclear munitions and preparations for their potential use. Minsk’s defense ministry said a key feature of the exercise would be testing the ability of forces to carry out combat missions from unprepared locations across Belarus. Minsk officials said the exercise will focus on concealment, long-distance movement and operational calculations related to the deployment of forces and equipment. Belarus described the exercise as a planned training event conducted within the framework of their “Union State” with Russia and said they are “not directed against third countries” and do not pose a threat to regional security. Questions remain unanswered as to how Belarus, formally a non-nuclear power, could maintain pilots and missile launch officers reportedly trained and certified for nuclear weapons delivery.