Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has triggered fears of nuclear escalation not seen since the brinkmanship of the Cold War. Among Moscow’s escalatory actions was its forward deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus in the summer of 2023. Drawing on governmental statements, news media, and think tank reports, this paper will explore the specific rationale. To what extent was this deterrence aimed at Ukraine and NATO? More broadly, how does a patron’s engagement in a warzone near its client impact its nuclear posture? Alternatively, what role did patron-client security relations and conflicting nuclear policy play?