MOSCOW: Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin has said that future direct military confrontation with NATO is very obvious in future.
Addressing the XI Moscow Conference on International Security, Khrenin pointed out that the doctrinal guidelines of NATO nations, which categorize Russia, China, and their allies as adversaries, result from substantial investment, indicating deliberate intentions.
The recent surge in arms production by Western nations asserting that the anticipation of gains typically drives expenditures in the capitalist world.
Therefore, the conclusion can be unequivocal: the possibility of a direct military clash with NATO is becoming very obvious, said Khrenin adding that multiple countries have aligned against Western influences, expressing their commitment to maintaining independence and sovereignty.
He stressed that Western powers are presently held back from engaging in large-scale warfare primarily due to the threat of nuclear retaliation—a restraint that continues to shape international dynamics.
Deployment of Russian Nuclear Weapons in Belarus
The Defense Minister articulated that Belarus views the reintroduction of tactical nuclear weapons within its borders as a strategic deterrent with substantial efficacy. This perception underscores the gravity of the situation and the complex interplay of military strategies in the region.
The deployment of Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus, solidified by a bilateral agreement between the two nations’ defense ministers in late May, adds a significant dimension to the unfolding narrative.
The move, as emphasized by Russian President Vladimir Putin, is a direct response to escalating security concerns. Moscow’s action mirrors a pattern observed by the United States, which strategically positioned tactical nuclear arms in European countries.
Belarus, aligned with Russia, has found itself in the midst of heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly following Russia’s initiation of a “special military operation” in Ukraine in February 2022. The international community’s response to this operation has been noteworthy—offering Kyiv unprecedented economic, military, and humanitarian support. Despite this, Western powers have remained cautious about direct involvement in the conflict.
