Visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko on Friday signed a new treaty on security guarantees between Russia and Belarus within the framework of the Union State, according to local media.

"I am certain that this treaty will reliably protect the security of Russia and Belarus, and consequently create conditions for the continued peaceful and sustainable development of our two nations," the Kremlin reported, citing Putin at the meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State in Minsk.

According to the Russian leader, the new pact outlines mutual defense obligations aimed at protecting the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Russia and Belarus, "with the use of all available forces and means," including Russian tactical nuclear weapons.

He recalled that Moscow reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in response to a potential attack with weapons of mass destruction or conventional weapons, which creates a critical threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Russia or Belarus, as defined in Russia's renewed nuclear doctrine.

"With the signing of ... the interstate treaty on security guarantees today, we are reaching an unprecedented level of strategic cooperation and military coordination," Lukashenko said during the meeting.

The Belarusian leader said the new deal will protect the territorial integrity of both countries, safeguard sovereignty and independence, and guarantee peace and security for the citizens of Russia and Belarus.

During a press conference following the meeting, Putin noted that Russia's new Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile system could be deployed in Belarus in the second half of next year.

The Russian president arrived in Minsk on Friday to attend a meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State. 

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