As Putin declared intentions to install tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus and increase bombardment of Avdiivka, NATO called his nuclear language “dangerous.”
While not unexpected, the action is Russia’s strongest nuclear signal yet and a warning to NATO over its military assistance for Ukraine, which has asked for a U.N. Security Council meeting.
Sunday’s NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu called Russia’s nuclear language reckless and irresponsible.
“NATO is vigilantly watching the situation. But, unfortunately, Russia’s nuclear stance hasn’t changed.”
On Saturday, Putin compared his Belarus proposal to the U.S. stationing its weapons in Europe, saying Russia would not break its nuclear non-proliferation pledges.
Lungescu claimed Putin’s non-proliferation vow and portrayal of U.S. weapons deployment abroad were inaccurate.
“Russia misrepresents NATO’s nuclear sharing. NATO partners honor their international obligations, “she said.
“Russia persistently violates weapons control.”
Oleksiy Danilov, Ukraine’s security commander, claimed Russia’s proposal would destabilize Belarus, which he called “hostage” by Moscow.
Lithuania called for fresh sanctions against Moscow and Minsk, while E.U. policy head Josep Borrell warned Belarus not to host the weapons.
Due to their military links, Belarus authorized Russia to utilize its land to invade Ukraine last year.
Russia’s action is noteworthy since, unlike the U.S., it has never deployed nuclear weapons abroad. However, from the mid-1990s, it may do so now.
The U.S., another nuclear powerhouse, downplayed Russia’s deployment.
“We’ve seen nothing that would indicate Mr. Putin is prepared to utilize tactical nuclear weapons in any form whatsoever in Ukraine,” White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told CBC on Sunday.
I can also say that we haven’t seen anything to modify our strategic nuclear deterrence stance.
Instead of destroying cities, tactical nuclear weapons achieve battlefield advances. However, because of Cold War secrecy, Russia’s arsenal is unknown.
Putin said on Sunday that Western nations were forming a new “axis” like Germany and Japan’s World War II alliance while dismissing Russia’s military cooperation with China.
It reprised his characterization of the conflict as Moscow’s battle against a Nazi-controlled Ukraine aided by Western forces threatening Russia.
Ukraine dismisses these as imperial conquering pretexts.
