Belarus seeks nuclear weapons to prepare for conflict with the West

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said his country is seeking the deployment of nuclear weapons on its territory to prepare for conflict with Western countries, during his address to the nation and parliament.

Lukashenko, a close Kremlin ally, said Moscow’s plans to station tactical nuclear arms in Belarus would help “safeguard” the country, which he said was under threat from the West.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Tuesday warned Belarus about allowing Russia to station tactical nuclear weapons on its territory: “Belarus hosting Russian nuclear weapons would mean an irresponsible escalation and a threat to European security. Belarus can still stop him, it’s their choice. The EU is ready to respond with more sanctions.”

“I intensified, insistently, negotiations with Russian President Putin on the return of nuclear weapons to Belarus. Namely the return of nuclear weapons, which were withdrawn in the 90s under guarantees – no sanctions against those who withdraw, no pressure, no planning of offensives and revolutions. Everything has been trampled, all commitments broken,” Lukashenko said.

“Take my word for it, I have never deceived you. They are preparing to invade Belarus, to destroy our country,” he added.

The EU’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Tuesday cautioned Belarus about allowing Russia to station tactical nuclear weapons on its territory, tweeting: “Belarus hosting Russian nuclear weapons would mean an irresponsible escalation & threat to European security. Belarus can still stop it, it is their choice. The EU stands ready to respond with further sanctions.”