Although Russia is finally prepared to agree to America's New START renewal terms, Russia is continuing to hold nuclear-powered missile tests, despite that new weapons would mean the Russian nuclear stockpile likely surpasses 1550 warheads. This implies that Russia doesn't have complete faith in the deal, and is making myriad preparations in advance in case the New START renewal falls through.
As protests against the Lukashenko regime continue in Minsk, President Vladimir Putin of Russia made the decisive choice to officially express Moscow's support for the maintenance of Alexander Lukashenko's power. Though Russia initially had a "wait-and-see" stance on the protests, it appears that Putin's position has changed due to Russia and Belarus' interdependence for military supplies, monetary support, and political outreach.
