BRUSSELS: NATO has condemned Russia’s announcement of deploying tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus, calling it “dangerous and irresponsible”.
While Ukraine seeks an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss Moscow’s plan, NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu said that the western allies have not yet seen any changes in Russia’s nuclear posture that would require them to adjust their own.
Russia’s move comes after it launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year, with some of its troops crossing the border through its ally Belarus. Kyiv views the move as “nuclear blackmail”.
However, President Vladimir Putin has compared the deployment to the United States basing some of its nuclear arsenal on the territory of its European allies, a comparison that NATO and Germany have dismissed.
NATO closely monitoring situation
“Russia’s nuclear rhetoric is dangerous and irresponsible. NATO is vigilant, and the alliance is closely monitoring the situation,” Lungescu said. “Russia’s reference to NATO alliance’s nuclear sharing is totally misleading. NATO member states act with full respect of their international commitments. Russia has consistently broken its arms control commitments, most recently suspending its participation in the New START Treaty. Russia must return to compliance and act in good faith.”
Last month, Putin announced Moscow’s decision to suspend participation in the New START treaty, the last nuclear arms control pact between Russia and the United States.
NATO has called for Russia to return to compliance with the treaty and act in good faith. The situation remains tense, with NATO closely monitoring any further developments.
