The West is increasingly concerned that Russian President Vladimir Putin could resort to nuclear arms after a series if defeats in Ukraine for his forces has helped shift the momentum in Kyiv’s favor.
Alexander Lukaschenko, President of Belarus, warned Ukraine that the West should not force Russia into a corner. He stated that Moscow has nuclear weapons because of this.
Extracts of a conversation with the American television channel NBC were published by Belarus’s state media agency. Mr Lukashenko said that “The most important is to not drive your interlocutor into a corner. You must not cross these lines – the red lines, according to Russians. These lines are not to be crossed.”
The West is increasingly concerned that Russian President Vladimir Putin could resort to nuclear arms after a series if defeats in Ukraine for his forces has helped shift the war in Kyiv’s favour.
“As for nukes, any weapon can be a weapon designed for something,” was the quote from Mr Lukashenko.
“Russia clearly clarified its position. God forbid an attack on Russian Federation territory. Russia can use all kinds of weapons in this event.”
While Mr Lukashenko is not allowed to influence President Putin’s military decisions, his remarks served to emphasize the intensified tensions between East and West as war nears its eighth month.
Vladimir Putin unilaterally claimed four Ukrainian territories as Russian territory last month. The move was strongly condemned by the U.N. General Assembly. Putin has also stated that he will defend Russia’s territorial integrity by any means necessary, including nuclear weapons.
Separately Mr Lukashenko claimed that he had placed Belarus into a state of heightened terror alert due to tensions at its border. He also announced Monday that he had placed Belarus in a state of heightened terrorism alert due to tensions at its borders.
Belarus was an allies of Moscow, and it was wedged between Russia, Ukraine, and three NATO nations. This allowed Russia to use Belarus’ territory as a launchpad for its invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2014.
Concerns have been raised in Kyiv as well as the West about Lukasenko’s recent troop movements.
Analysts say it is a difficult option, but he may be able to accept it if Russian President Vladimir Putin asks.
Belarus relies on Russia politically as well as economically. President Putin’s support enabled Mr Lukashenko, to survive massive pro-democracy demonstrations in 2020. The demonstrations were crushed by Mr Lukashenko, and all the leading opposition figures were either jailed or forced from their homes.
