Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has reportedly stressed that the Wagner mercenary group will have no role in guarding Russian tactical nuclear weapons that are being transferred to his country.

A state-run news agency in Belarus cited Lukashenko as saying on Tuesday that a substantial amount of Russian nuclear weaponry has been moved into the country.

Lukashenko reportedly said Poland and others believe that Wagner will guard the nuclear weapons if and when the private military group becomes active in Belarus.

The report said Lukashenko denied such views, saying, "It is our job. And I am personally responsible for the security of the weapons."

Russian President Vladimir Putin had said on June 16 that the first batch of tactical nuclear weapons has been transported to Belarus. Putin plans to deploy the weapons within the territory of Moscow's ally, apparently to keep the US and Europe in check.