Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday (17/2) stated that his
country is ready to host nuclear weapons if external threats continue to
come. His remarks come amid tensions between his ally Russia and Western
powers backing Ukraine.
Lukashenko is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on
Friday (18/2) in Moscow. The two will discuss the next steps for the
Russian-Belarusian integration program.
Reporting from The Straits Times, discussions regarding the recognition of
the Donetsk People's Republic and the Luhansk People's Republic in Ukraine
will also be on the agenda.
Belarus is one of the countries that are on the side of Russia in the
current conflict with Ukraine. President Lukashenko did not even hesitate to
use nuclear weapons if external forces continued to harass the region.
"If necessary, if such stupid and reckless steps are taken by our rivals and
opponents, we will deploy not only nuclear weapons, but also super-nuclear
and forthcoming weapons to protect our territory," Lukashenko said.
Speaking at the site of a joint military exercise with Russia in Osipovichi,
Lukashenko nevertheless insisted that nuclear weapons are not needed in
Belarus if there is no threat.
Belarus is still free from nuclear power. However, later this month they
will hold a vote on constitutional reforms that could make it legal to host
nuclear weapons.
Amid the threat of war in Europe, Belarus has expressed interest in Russia
to build a training center for the Iskander missile system. Lukashenko said
there are currently three military training centers created in cooperation
with Russia.
Lukashenko has also expressed interest in training sailors in Kaliningrad or
Murmansk, as well as installing Russian-made S-400 air defense systems on
its territory.
Belarus and Russia are currently holding joint military exercises on
Belarusian territory. This activity was seen as making the situation worse
and making the potential for an invasion of Ukraine all the more real. Both
countries ensure that there is no other purpose than military exercises.
Belarus also confirmed that Russian troops would leave its territory after
the exercises ended on February 20.
