Ukraine war: Russian nukes in Belarus plan, Africa urged to ditch 'neutrality', border raids

Russia advanced its plan to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, signing a deal on Thursday to facilitate a special warhead establishment in the neighbouring nation. 

The plan to deploy nukes beyond Russia's boundaries was announced by President Vladimir Putin in a TV interview on March 25. 

Kremlin has not specified the exact date of deployment, yet expects the new facility to be ready in just over a month's time in Belarus. 

Moscow has not kept its nuclear weapons outside of the Russian borders since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. 

The Iskander-M missiles, with warheads carrying capabilities, have already been handed to the Belarusian armed forces, Russia's defence minister Sergei Shoigu said. 

"Belarusian servicemen have received the necessary training," Shoigu added, emphasizing that the two countries will ensure optimum security. 

Some Su-25 aircraft will also be converted to be used in the nuclear deployment, he said. 

The US estimates Russia has around 2,000 working warheads that can be used to gain specific advantages on the battlefield. 

The Russian commander of fighters that raided the Russian border region earlier this week has said he will launch more attacks from Ukraine.

“I think you will see us again on that side,” said Denis Kapustin, self-described commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps on Wednesday. 

His threat came one day after Moscow said it had defeated a two-day attack in its southwest Belogrod region. 

Kapustin, who was surrounded by 30 camouflaged soldiers, is notorious for his ultra-nationalist views. 

He said his force was battling “injustice” and “torture” under Russian President Vladimir Putin, hoping they would inspire others to rise up. 

His Russian Volunteer Corps - along with the