The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenkohas announced this Wednesday that the country has begun to receive nuclear weapons Russian tactics. This statement contradicts the statements of Vladimir Putinwho assured that the weapons would not arrive until next month.
During an interview with a Russian television reporter, he has detailed that the atomic weapons that are about to arrive are “three times more powerful” than those used by the United States in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, and have the ability to instantly wipe out a million people.
Although Putin has stated that Moscow will retain control over the use of these weapons, Lukashenko has made it clear that I wouldn’t hesitate to use them. if Belarus faces aggression. In remarks released by his office on Tuesday, Lukashenko said: “God forbid I am forced to make the decision to use these weapons today, but I wouldn’t hesitate if we were faced with aggression“.
Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko during their meeting in Sochi, Russia this June.
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The weapons that Russia is sending to Belarus are short range nuclear weapons designed to destroy enemy troops and weaponry on the battlefield. However, Lukashenko has pointed out that his country already have the facilities necessary to house long range nuclear weaponsas well as intercontinental ballistic missiles, if necessary.
This announcement is of particular concern to the international community because Russia has repeatedly mentioned the possibility of using tactical nuclear weapons during the conflict in Ukrainea statement that has been strongly criticized by the United States, Europe, China and India.
[Putin baraja “varios planes” y se pregunta si Rusia deberÃa lanzarse otra vez a conquistar Kiev]
Lukashenko stressed that it was he who personally asked Putin to deploy Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus to prevent possible aggressions. Still, it is a big step for Russia, as it is the first time since the collapse of the Soviet Union, which has moved weapons of this type out of its territory. This fact demonstrates the strengthening of links between Russia and Belarus, which have grown even stronger after the Kremlin helped quell mass protests that followed the 2020 presidential election that Lukashenko rigged to maintain control.
In the midst of the conflict in Ukraine, both countries, isolated by the West, have become even closer. This is evidenced by how Belarus helped Moscow in its invasion on a large scale from Ukraine in February 2022 and is now harboring Russian nuclear weapons in their territory. Moscow, which has been increasing its influence and control over Belarus, tries to turn Belarus into a puppet stateand there are even rumors suggesting that Russia could be considering annex Belarus.
