US fears deployment: Russian nuclear weapons soon in Belarus?

USA fears deployment
Russian nuclear weapons soon in Belarus?

In the midst of the Ukraine crisis, Moscow and Minsk announce joint military maneuvers. In Washington, there are fears that the Kremlin could soon station nuclear weapons in Belarus. A planned constitutional amendment could make this plan possible.

Amid the Ukraine crisis, the US has warned of a possible future stationing of Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus. A US State Department official said a constitutional amendment pushed by ruler Alexander Lukashenko could indicate that the country could allow Russia to station both conventional and nuclear weapons on its territory. This would be a “challenge to European security that may call for a response.”

The ministry representative also expressed concern about the arrival of Russian troops in Belarus. “The timing is remarkable and, of course, raises fears that Russia may plan to station troops in Belarus under the guise of joint military exercises, potentially targeting Ukraine.” The number of Russian soldiers is above the number that would be expected in a “normal military exercise”.

Lukashenko is leaning more and more on Russia, the US ministry official said. “And we know he doesn’t get that support for free.” Lukashenko announced joint military maneuvers with Russia on Monday. He justified this with the strengthening of NATO’s military presence in Poland and the Baltic States and the tense situation in Ukraine. The first Russian soldiers have now arrived in Belarus.

Because of a massive Russian troop deployment on the border with Ukraine, the West fears that Russia is preparing to invade the neighboring country. The government in Moscow denies that. Lukashenko had announced constitutional changes in the face of mass protests against his controversial re-election in 2020. The long-time ruler has Moscow’s backing.

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