Expert on reaction of Belarus' detractors to deployment of tactical nuclear weapons on its territory: this is hysteria

The military exercises – largest over the recent decade – will soon be launched near the borders of Belarus and Russia. 90 thousand military personnel from all NATO member states, as well as from Sweden (a partner country) have already declared their participation. The last time exercises of the kind took place in 1988, and they gathered 124 thousand troops then. Vadim Gigin, the Director General of the National Library of Belarus, explained why the forthcoming drills are planned, how Belarus improves its defence capability, and what causes hysteria in the West.

In his talk with Alfa Radio, the expert noted, “Belarus took the asymmetric measures in due time, and they did not require additional financial expenses. Another fundamental point is the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of our country. Belarus is also developing its defence complexes, including in co-operation with Russia, and it is constantly taking measures to improve combat readiness, adopting the experience of the Russian Federation, investigating and analysing what others are doing. Our opponents hoped that we would react by sharply increasing our costs, which will affect the Belarusian economy. In this case, they would start criticising us that we spend money only on security forces. However, we acted wisely – deploying tactical nuclear weapons, new missile systems such as Iskander, and S-400 air defence systems – and this made it possible to neutralise such threats. The number of deployed troops makes no difference for tactical nuclear weapons: the latter’s carrier will destroy the group. This fact causes hysteria among our opponents.”

Mr. Gigin also explained why detractors are jealous of Belarus, “One of the fugitives suggested giving Ukraine tactical nuclear weapons, and I would call such a step hysteria, which is due to the impossibility and inability to respond qualitatively and adequately to the effective measures that Belarus is taking to ensure its national security.”