- Vladimir Putin announced the planned deployment of short-range nuclear weapons to Moscow’s neighbour and ally Belarus earlier this year
- The weapons are expected to be deployed to Belarus soon after July 8
By CHRIS JEWERS
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said Tuesday that he wouldn’t hesitate to order the use of Russian tactical nuclear weapons – that are set to be deployed to Belarus – if his country faces an aggression.
Earlier this year, Vladimir Putin announced the planned deployment of short-range nuclear weapons to Moscow’s neighbour and ally Belarus in a move widely seen as a warning to the West as it stepped up military support for Ukraine.
The Russian president has emphasised that Russia will retain control of them, but Lukashenko’s statement contradicted that.
‘God forbid I have to make a decision to use those weapons today, but there would be no hesitation if we face an aggression,’ Lukashenko, known for his blustery statements, said, according to the state news agency BelTA.
Russian officials had no immediate comment on Lukashenko’s remarks.
He argued that the move was necessary to deter a potential aggression.
‘I believe no one would be willing to fight a country that has those weapons,’ Lukashenko said. ‘Those are weapons of deterrence.’
Putin said during Friday’s meeting with Lukashenko that work on building facilities for the nuclear weapons will be completed by July 7-8, and they will be moved to Belarusian territory quickly after that…
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