Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he is ready to deploy tactical nuclear weapons to ally Belarus, escalating tensions with the United States and its allies.
Ukraine’s foreign ministry called the move “another provocative move by the criminal Putin regime” and called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Thursday. The European Commission’s Vice-President (High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security) Borrell tweeted that the deployment of Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus was “an irresponsible escalation and a threat to European security.” It means that it will become a threat to the United States,” and indicated that he would prepare for further sanctions.
The Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Grossi will visit the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, which has been occupied by Russia for the past year, on the 29th.
Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant
Photographer:Stringer/AFP/Getty Images
Recent developments surrounding the situation in Ukraine are as follows.
Ukrainian drone intercepted – Russian Defense Ministry
The Russian defense ministry said in a Telegram that it had intercepted a Ukrainian drone and prevented it from attacking Russian territory. The drone, which was destroyed by Russian air defense forces, landed in Kireyevsk, Tula region, about 230 kilometers south of Moscow. The drone was carrying explosives, injuring three people and damaging several homes, Russian state news agency TASS reported, citing officials.
IAEA Director General to visit Zaporizhia NPP – Tas
IAEA Director General Grossi will visit the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant on the 29th, TASS reported. He quoted an adviser to Russia’s state-owned nuclear power company Rosenergoatom. The plant has been occupied by Russia for the past year. The IAEA announced on the 25th that the director-general would visit the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, but did not specify the date.
Ukraine asks UN Security Council to meet urgently over deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus
The Ukrainian government has asked the United Nations Security Council to hold an emergency meeting over Russia’s move to deploy nuclear weapons in Belarus.
Ukraine’s foreign ministry said in a statement that it “expects effective action to counter the nuclear threat by the Russian government.” Called for action by the Security Council, including its permanent members.
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Russia to Deploy Tactical Nuclear Weapons in Belarus, Prepare Aircraft, Missiles
original:Ukraine Latest: Russia Says Drone Strikes Town South of Moscow(excerpt)
