The Kremlin said on Monday Western criticism would not lead to a change in Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announced plans to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in neighboring Belarus.
“It is clear that such a reaction cannot influence Russian plans,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
Don’t forget that Putin announced on Saturday that Moscow intends to install “tactical” nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus, an allied country on the doorstep of the European Union.
“There is nothing new here: the United States has been doing this for decades. It has long placed its tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of its allies,” Putin said in an interview broadcast on Russian television. “We have decided to do the same,” he added, stating that this decision was made after an agreement with the Belarusian government.
“We have already helped our Belarusian allies. We have equipped their aircraft (…) without violating our international obligations on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. Ten aircraft are ready to use this type of weapon,” Putin added please.
EU threatens new sanctions against Belarus
In view of the Russian leader’s statements, NATO classified Russia’s nuclear rhetoric as “dangerous and irresponsible”.
“NATO is vigilant and we are closely monitoring the situation,” NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said, adding that the organization “has not seen any changes in Russia’s nuclear stance” that would lead to an adjustment of its strategy.
The head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, warned that the European Union (EU) is ready to introduce new sanctions against Belarus if it accepts Russian nuclear weapons on its territory.
“The receipt of Russian nuclear weapons by Belarus would constitute an irresponsible escalation and a threat to European security. Belarus can still prevent this. The EU is ready to respond with more sanctions,” Josep Borrell assured in a message on the social network Twitter.
Source: DN
