(MENAFN) Russia's President Vladimir Putin has announced the deployment of "tactical nuclear weapons" in Belarus amid the country's ongoing war against Ukraine. The Russian leader said that 10 fighter jets capable of carrying tactical nuclear weapons were already deployed in Belarus, with plans to position nuclear-armed Iskander hypersonic missiles in the country. The move represents an escalation in Putin's rhetoric and has drawn condemnation from the West.

The deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus wasn't entirely unexpected, as Putin has repeatedly threatened to resort to nuclear weapons as his ground war in Ukraine has struggled to make significant gains in recent months. However, announcing a new deployment of such weapons has heightened tensions between Russia and the West.

In response to Putin's announcement, NATO called his justification misleading and argued that Russia's nuclear rhetoric is dangerous and irresponsible. The alliance pointed out that the U.S.-led alliance has nuclear-armed missiles deployed in Western Europe, but NATO allies act with full respect for their international commitments, whereas Russia has consistently broken its arms control commitments.

The Biden administration issued a similarly guarded response, with National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stating that the White House had not seen any indication that Putin is preparing to use tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine. Kirby also said that the U.S. has not seen anything that would cause them to change their own strategic nuclear deterrent posture.

The deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus has increased tensions between Russia and the West, with concerns over the potential for a nuclear conflict. The move highlights the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the role of Belarus in the region. It also shows Putin's willingness to escalate the situation and his disregard for international arms control commitments. The situation is being closely monitored by NATO and the Biden administration, with both calling for restraint and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

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