Russia warned the West and Ukraine on Friday of "disastrous consequences" if Kyiv moved against close Russian ally Belarus, making clear it would intervene to defend a country where it has deployed tactical nuclear weapons.

Russia has warned the West and Ukraine of severe repercussions if Kyiv acts against Belarus, a close ally where Russia has deployed tactical nuclear weapons. Moscow expressed concerns about increased activity on the Belarusian border and indicated potential intervention to defend Belarus.

Russia warned that Ukraine could face "disastrous consequences" if they continue to move its forces towards Belarus, its closest military ally.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that if the West backs Ukraine's use of long-range missiles, it risks escalating the war into direct conflict with NATO. He emphasized that Moscow would respond decisively if its territory is targeted,