US President Joe Biden expressed concern over Russia’s plans to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.
According to CNN, President Biden told reporters at the White House on the 28th (local time), “Unless something happens while I’m in the helicopter, they haven’t done that yet.” ”he said.
He continued, “What have I been talking to you all over the past year?” “This is a dangerous kind of conversation and I am concerned.”
On the 25th, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced an agreement with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. President Putin said, “It is to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in the territory of our allies, as the United States has been doing for decades.” It is not a violation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
President Putin also said that several Iskander missiles, a nuclear weapon delivery system, and 10 aircraft capable of carrying tactical nuclear weapons were already stationed in Belarus, and that the tactical nuclear weapons storage would be completed by July 1. He did not specify, however, when he would deploy nuclear weapons.
The Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on the 28th and said, “This is to respond to Western pressure and strengthen our defense capabilities.” “Belarus has been under unprecedented political, economic, and intelligence pressure from the United States, Britain, NATO allies, and European Union member states over the past two and a half years,” the Foreign Ministry said. ) will be a means of protection against pressure from the United States and its allies.”
In the midst of this, President Putin and President Lukashenko will meet on the 6th of next month to discuss security issues. While the agenda focuses on developing bilateral relations, it is likely that discussions will also take place on plans to deploy tactical nuclear weapons.
Russia’s forward deployment of tactical nuclear weapons is causing concern in the West and Ukraine.
Russia’s ally Belarus shares a border with NATO’s easternmost country, Poland. It shares a border with Ukraine to the south. Beyond the war in Ukraine, there are concerns that Eastern Europe could become a powder keg for a nuclear war.
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.