Belarusian President explains reasons for deploying nuclear weapons.

"With a consistent policy of supporting the guarantee of peace and security and fulfilling previously committed international obligations, the Republic of Belarus, together with its partners, as well as within the framework of the Union State of Belarus and Russia, is focusing its utmost efforts on strengthening cooperation against transnational challenges and threats of various kinds. The deployment of nuclear weapons on Belarusian territory is our appropriate response to the rapid militarization in Eastern Europe and the increased military activity of the US and NATO," the press service of the Belarusian leader quoted Lukashenko as saying at the conference.

President Lukashenko emphasized that the deployment of nuclear weapons does not invalidate the peace initiatives put forward by Belarus aimed at restarting dialogue on European and global security on an equal basis for the benefit of the entire planet.