Russia sets conditions for withdrawing tactical nuclear weapons from Belarus
(Baonghean.vn) - Russian diplomat said that the withdrawal of tactical nuclear weapons from Belarus will only take place if the US abandons hostile actions against Russia.
Director of the 2nd Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry Alexei Polishchuk told Ria Novosti that it is possible to talk about the withdrawal of Russian tactical nuclear weapons from the territory of Belarus only when the United States and NATO abandon their anti-Russian course, withdraw US nuclear weapons from Europe and eliminate their infrastructure there.
“The deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus is a response to the long-term destabilizing nuclear policy of NATO and the United States, as well as to fundamental changes in Europe's key security strategy in recent times,” Polishchuk explained.
The Russian diplomat stressed that Moscow's decision is aimed at ensuring the security of the Russian-Belarusian Union State.
Earlier this year, Moscow and Minsk agreed to transfer tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus. Russian President Vladimir Putin insisted that his country had not violated any international obligations. Addressing the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, President Putin stressed that aggression against Belarus was tantamount to aggression against Russia, and Moscow would respond with all available means.
In April 2023, the Armed Forces of Belarus were supplied with the Iskander-M tactical complex, capable of using nuclear missiles.
