No additional mobilization needed regarding nuclear threat from Belarus, Ukrainian MP says
Fedir Venislavsky named the reasons for additional mobilization in Ukraine (Photo:Office of the President)
The possible deployment of Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus won’t cause additional mobilization, Ukrainian MP and member of the parliament’s Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence Fedir Venislavskyi said on RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service on March 28.
Earlier, Davyd Arakhamia, a Ukrainian MP and the leader of the ruling Servant of the People faction in the parliament, claimed that Russia’s decision to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus could cause additional mobilization in Ukraine.
A general mobilization has been declared in the country, which means that military-eligible persons can be called up for service any time, if needed, Venislavskyi clarified.
Ukraine has increased the number of its Armed Forces, as well as other defense and security troops, so there is no current need for additional mobilization. This issue was discussed at a closed meeting of the Committee with the participation of Chief of the General Staff Serhiy Shaptala, he explained.
"He was at our closed meeting of the Committee last week, and General Shaptala even answered these questions. To date, there is no need for a dramatic increase in mobilization efforts. Conscription measures are held almost constantly at the request of the General Staff and according to the needs of our Armed Forces in the number and type of people and the competencies needed," Venislavskyi said.
More personnel and equipment may be needed when Ukraine launches a counteroffensive, he emphasized.
"When Ukraine has to launch counterattacks, it will need some additional forces and means to ensure the effectiveness of these offensive efforts. Again, if such a need arises, it will be determined by the General Staff, who considers planning, prospects, and the real current state of affairs," he summarized.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin on March 25 announced his plans to deploy nuclear weapons in Belarus. He claimed that he was "forced to react" to British promises to provide Ukraine with rounds containing depleted uranium.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell condemned Russia’s plans to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, saying that the EU will react with additional sanctions against the aggressor country.
France called on Russia to reconsider the decision, while Poland called it another step to further involvement of Minsk in the "Russian war machine."
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