Russian President Vladimir Putin, proper, and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. File.
| Photo Credit: AP
Belarus stated on Tuesday it had determined to host Russian tactical nuclear weapons after years of stress from the United States and its allies geared toward altering its political and geopolitical course.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Saturday that Moscow would in future look to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in neighbouring Belarus, a staunch ally, escalating a standoff with the West.
The Belarusian international ministry justified its choice to cooperate with Russia in an announcement on Tuesday, saying Minsk was appearing to guard itself from the West.
“Over the last two and a half years, the Republic of Belarus has been subjected to unprecedented political, economic and information pressure from the United States, the United Kingdom and its NATO allies, as well as the member states of the European Union,” the assertion stated.
“In view of these circumstances, and the legitimate concerns and risks in the sphere of national security arising from them, Belarus is forced to respond by strengthening its own security and defence capabilities.”
Minsk stated the Russian nuclear plans wouldn’t contravene worldwide non-proliferation agreements as Belarus itself wouldn’t have management over the weapons.
Source: www.thehindu.com
