The White House on Thursday called Russia’s transfer of tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus “irresponsible” but says it sees no indication that Russia is preparing to use them.
‘We saw no reason to change our nuclear stance’said government spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre at a press conference, quoted by Efe.
Jean-Pierre called this Thursday’s announcement by Minsk and Moscow “another example of an irresponsible and provocative decision”.
Likewise, he added that the US will continue to monitor the situation and underlined that the country remains committed to the defense of NATO.
The two countries’ announcement was also criticized by the European Commission, which said it was “a move that only heightens tension” in the war in Ukraine.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Thursday that Russia had begun transferring nuclear weapons to his country, fulfilling an announcement made in March by Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
“The transfer of nuclear payloads has already begun,” Lukashenko said, answering a journalist’s question in a video broadcast by the unofficial broadcaster of the Belarusian presidency on the Telegram platform, Pul Pervogo.
Russia, for its part, has not yet commented on the transfer of weapons.
Russia and Belarus signed an agreement this Thursday that formalizes procedures for sending and installing tactical nuclear weapons on Belarusian territory, but maintains control over weapons in Moscow.
In March, Vladimir Putin indicated that he had already agreed with his Belarusian counterpart Moscow on the intention to install short-range tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.
The signing of the agreement comes as Russia prepares for a long-awaited counter-offensive from Ukraine.
Russia and Belarus have an alliance agreement under which the Kremlin subsidizes the Belarusian economy through loans and rebates on Russian oil and gas.
Source: DN
