Lukashenko — on changes in Russia's nuclear doctrine: new risks appeared for someone, not for us
After his arrival in the Kremlin today, President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko answered journalists' questions and commented on the recent changes made to Russia's nuclear doctrine. The Head of State was asked, in particular, whether the hotheads in the West had heard a signal from Russia about its readiness to use nuclear weapons in the event of aggression against Russia and its ally Belarus.
Aleksandr Lukashenko noted, “The hotheads had heard the signals long before they were updated. If they hadn't heard, then at least they would have bombed us, especially Russia.”
When asked about how he felt about the changes in the document, which also relate to the territory of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko said, “I have no feelings now, because I already had them at the time when the most serious weapons returned to the territory of Belarus. That's when I felt it. Now it is actually strengthening the position that we felt in Belarus a long time ago.”
A Russian journalist then asked of whether new risks had emerged for the country in this regard, and Aleksandr Lukashenko noted, “The world is now drastically changing, and certain risks are constantly appearing or disappearing. Definitely, there are now new risks for someone, but not for us.”
Speaking about the algorithm of decision-making in case nuclear weapons need to be used, the Head of State noted, “Even if we, like North Korea, had weapons developed and manufactured at home, no country would ever use them on its own without consulting with its allies – and even more so for us without consulting with the Russian Federation. Actually, rattling these weapons is a serious matter. However, if this happened, we would not just consult with the President of Russia on the use of these weapons: we would have very serious negotiations.”
The journalist then asked Aleksandr Lukashenko of where the red line is for him in this case, and the President stated, “It is the state border. We have already voiced this clearly and definitely. If someone crosses our state border, we will do everything to use all the weapons that we possess in Belarus.”
