RFE: Moscow, Minsk Sign Documents On Placing Russian Tactical Nuclear Weapons In Belarus
Russia and Belarus have signed documents allowing for the placement of Russian tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus, a move that has increased already strained tensions between the Kremlin and the West.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said after the signing in Minsk on May 25 that Moscow will maintain control of the weapons while on Belarusian soil.
Russian President Vladimir Putin in March raised the prospect of Moscow deploying tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus -- which borders Ukraine and three NATO nations -- by July, a move the authoritarian ruler of Belarus, Alyaksandr Lukashenka, has agreed to.
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WNU Editor: This is the Kremlin's way of responding to its long-term concerns that the West is determined to undermine/replace the Lukashenko government .... Is Poland Preparing To Invade Belarus? (May 25, 2023).
Update: The U.S. has responded to this nuclear deployment .... US condemns Russia moving nuclear weapons to Belarus, will not adjust nuclear posture (Reuters). More here .... White House slams Putin's nuclear provocation in Belarus: 'Irresponsible' (FOX News).
Russia To Relocate Tactical Nuclear Weapons To Belarus
Lukashenko Says Russia Has Begun Moving Nuclear Weapons to Belarus -- Moscow Times/AFP
Belarus: Lukashenko says Russian tactical nukes on their way -- DW
Russia to Relocate Some Tactical Nuclear Weapons to Belarus -- VOA
Russia moving nuclear warheads to Belarus, says dictator Lukashenko -- The Guardian
Russia signs deal to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus -- Al Jazeera