Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry has called for new sanctions against Russia as a response to its plans to store tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. The ministry regards this as yet another attempt by Putin and Belarusian leader Lukashenko to threaten their neighbours and destabilize Europe. The plan has been described as "dangerous and irresponsible" by NATO, and Ukraine has accused Russia of taking Belarus as a nuclear hostage. Avdiivka, in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, is being urged to evacuate as the town’s utilities will be shut off due to Russian shelling. The town is being wiped off the face of the earth, and its residents will not be able to charge their phones due to the closure of the mobile towers.

Despite Western powers warning Putin against his nuclear rhetoric, they see no reason to change their own strategic nuclear positions. The United States has not seen any indication that Putin has moved any nuclear weapons around to Belarus. This rhetoric from Putin indicates that since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin frequently turns towards nuclear saber-rattling in response to Western criticisms or perceived aggression.