(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in neighboring Belarus, a move seen as a warning to the West as it steps up military support for Ukraine. Putin said the decision was triggered by Britain's decision to provide Ukraine with armor-piercing rounds containing depleted uranium, which he falsely claimed had nuclear components.
Tactical nuclear weapons are intended for use on the battlefield, and Russia plans to maintain control over the ones it stations in Belarus. Putin did not disclose how many nuclear weapons Russia would keep in Belarus, but the US government estimates that Russia has about 2,000 tactical nuclear weapons.
In a state television interview broadcast on Saturday night, Putin argued that Russia was following the lead of the United States by stationing its tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. He noted that the US has nuclear weapons based in Belgium, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, and Turkey.
The announcement raises concerns about the escalating tensions between Russia and the West and the potential for a nuclear arms race. The international community must work towards promoting greater dialogue and cooperation to prevent the escalation of conflicts and the use of nuclear weapons.
The deployment of nuclear weapons on the battlefield poses a significant risk to both troops and civilians, and any use of nuclear weapons would have catastrophic consequences. The international community must work towards promoting disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons to ensure international peace and security.
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