Belarus preparing sites for strategic nuclear weapons, says defense minister
Viktor Khrenin (Photo:president.gov.by)
Belarus is ready to deploy strategic nuclear weapons on its territory “if necessary” and is already preparing relevant sites, said Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin, reports Belarusian state news agency Belta on April 14.
Belarus has prepared equipment and aircraft “capable of carrying nuclear munitions” to respond if the West “continues the hostile rhetoric,” he said.
Russia has sent the country the Iskander mobile short-range ballistic missile system “capable of using missiles with nuclear warheads,” he added.
“If necessary, we’ll also have strategic nuclear weapons,” Khrenin said.
“We’re already engaged in the preparation of existing sites. And if the hostile rhetoric continues, this will be the next step. We’ll respond to force only with force.”
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin announced on March 25 that he plans to deploy tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus, declaring that “the collective West is already starting to use weapons with a nuclear component,” forcing Russia to “react accordingly.”
He justified his decision based on the UK’s March 21 announcement that it will transfer depleted uranium shells for Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine. In turn, the UK Ministry of Defense stated that Putin was deliberately spreading false information.
Per Putin’s statement, 10 Belarusian aircraft have been converted by Russia for the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons. The Iskander system, which can carry a nuclear projectile, has already been provided to Belarus.
The Russian dictator also announced that construction of a storage facility for tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus will be completed by July 1.
Many countries have condemned Putin’s statement. At the same time, the U.S. White House says they have not seen any indication yet that Putin has made good on his pledge to station nukes in Belarus.
The European Union says they are ready to impose additional sanctions against Russia and Belarus.
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