Are Countries Joining Belarus-Russia Union State? Know About Nuclear Weapons Offer, International Law, and Geopolitical Implications

Recently, Russia and Belarus have made a surprising offer, inviting countries to join their union and promising to provide them with nuclear weapons for enhanced security. This statement has sparked shock and raised questions about the possibility and legality of distributing nuclear weapons to multiple nations. Furthermore, it has been revealed that Russia has already deployed its tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. In this blog, we will delve into the motivations behind Russia and Belarus' offers and explore the concept of a Union State.

Belarus, which gained independence from the Soviet Union on August 25, 1991, is geographically located adjacent to Russia and north of Ukraine. Both countries share a vision of a Union State, a concept familiar in geopolitics, wherein multiple countries come together to form a unified entity with its own national symbols, president, and other aspects. The integration process involves economic integration, creating an open market among participating countries, harmonizing taxation methods, integrating defense capabilities, and establishing an intelligence apparatus.

The Union State concept has been embraced by Belarus and Russia, and it is anticipated that many Asian countries may also seek to form such unions in the future. The question remains as to which countries, such as India or China, will embrace this model and create a better society through a Union State.

Before we proceed, let's test your knowledge with a quick quiz: How many countries did the Soviet Union divide into? Leave your answer in the comments below.

Returning to the topic at hand, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko extended an invitation to all countries in the region to join the Union State formed by Belarus and Russia, with the added incentive of deploying nuclear weapons in the respective joining country. While this offer may seem tempting, it is important to note that under the nuclear proliferation treaty, a country possessing nuclear weapons cannot transfer them to others. However, within the framework of a Union State, defense integration allows for the legal sharing of nuclear weapons.

Despite the perceived allure of President Lukashenko's offer, many countries have responded negatively. Kazakhstan, for instance, a target for inclusion in the Union State to expand its zone, categorically rejected the proposition. Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that the offer was a joke, emphasizing that Kazakhstan is already a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, and therefore has no interest in joining the Union State.

Following Kazakhstan's resolute refusal, it raises the question of whether having nuclear weapons provides a sense of safety and improved security. Russia, being a nuclear power, is experiencing ongoing challenges with drone attacks from Ukraine. This raises doubts about the efficacy of nuclear deterrence when countries without nuclear capabilities have the audacity to attack.

Presently, countries have rejected President Lukashenko's offer. However, the concept of a Union State is expected to gain traction in the future. We invite you to share your thoughts and opinions on this topic in the comment section below.