Photo: SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images/GAVRIIL GRIGOROV President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko (center) attending Russia’s Victory Day in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday (9/5/2023). (GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images)
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko spoke of circumstances that might lead to the use of nuclear weapons from Belarusian territory.
Meanwhile, Russia is seeking to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus ahead of the NATO summit in Vilnius on July 11-12.
“This is not about Russia at all,” Lukashenko said, according to news agencies BelTA, Selara (13/6/2023). He stressed that nuclear weapons would be deployed in Belarus at his personal request to Russia to guarantee the country’s security.
“First I asked the Russian president [Vladimir Putin]then kindly insisted that they return this weapon [taktis bukan strategis],” said Lukashenko.
According to him, there is currently no need to deploy strategic nuclear weapons, for example, Russian Topol missiles in Belarus.
“Why do I need the strategic Topol missile? We are preparing the site for this weapon. All of them are operational, except for one. Therefore, if needed, we are ready to deploy this weapon at any time.”
“Topol is an intercontinental missile. Am I going to fight the United States? No. A weapon [taktis nuklir] this is enough for me for now,” added the head of state known as Putin’s main ally.
Previously, Putin is reported to be deploying his tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus next month. This was revealed in his meeting with Lukashenko recently.
As quoted Associated Press, work on the construction of a nuclear weapons facility in neighboring Moscow will be completed July 7-8. After that the tactical nuclear weapons will be moved to Minsk.
The move was made amid a Ukrainian counteroffensive which increased in several sectors of the front line of the war. Analysts also say this is a new “pressure” for Russia to the West.
“Everything is going according to plan,” Putin said in a televised address as he hosted Lukashenko at his residence in the Black Sea resort of Sochi.
“On July 7-8, the preparation of related facilities will be completed and we will immediately start activities related to the deployment of these weapons in your area,” he emphasized.
Tactical nuclear weapons are aimed at weapons intended to destroy enemy troops and weapons on the battlefield. The weapon has a relatively short range and much lower yield than the nuclear warheads mounted on long-range strategic missiles capable of obliterating entire cities.
Putin initially announced plans to deploy tactical nuclear weapons earlier this year. This is a warning to the United States (US) and NATO for increasing military support for Ukraine.
(luc/luc)
2023-06-13 14:38:00
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