The U.S. and the West warned Russian President Vladimir Putin about deploying tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, saying, “The use of nuclear weapons is crossing a critical line.” However, he said he did not see any signs that tactical nuclear weapons were moving from Russia to Belarus.
White House National Security Council (NSC) Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby said in an interview with CBS on the 26th, “We have not found any indication that President Putin has fulfilled his declaration or transferred nuclear weapons.” “We continue to monitor Russia’s nuclear weapons situation, but we see no indication that Putin intends to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine,” he said.
Regarding President Putin’s assertion that Britain’s announcement of supplying depleted uranium bombs to Ukraine was an opportunity to deploy nuclear weapons overseas, Kirby refuted, saying, “Depleted uranium bombs, which are non-radioactive, are normally used on the battlefield, and Russia also uses similar shells.” North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) spokeswoman Oana Lungesto also told Reuters that “we have not detected any change in Russia’s nuclear posture that would cause us to adjust our nuclear posture.” The European Union (EU) has warned of additional sanctions following the United States if Belarus accepts Russian nuclear weapons.
Analysts say that President Putin’s declaration of deploying tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus has an intention to block Western aid to Ukraine ahead of a major spring offensive. In a report on the 25th, the US think tank War Research Institute (IWS) said, “Putin intended to deploy nuclear weapons to strengthen his influence in Belarus even before the invasion of Ukraine.” It is a kind of war,” he analyzed.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.