Russia’s Defence Minister: possibilities envisaged to use nuclear weapons in response to aggression against Belarus

A Russia-Belarus Defence Ministry board session is taking place today, October 23rd, at the Central House of Officers under the chairmanship of Belarus’ Defence Minister. Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov said that Belarus and Russia continue to strengthen co-operation in the military sphere.

“This is especially important amid open pressure from the collective West and hostile activities of NATO near the Union State borders. This year, NATO has held a series of the largest (since the Cold War) military drills, working out scenarios of a full-scale conflict with Russia and its allies. The number of NATO coalition forces is increasing, while training, combat and intelligence activities are also on the rise. The growing involvement of Western countries in the Ukraine conflict creates global risks. The desire to inflict maximum damage on Russia could lead to a direct military confrontation in the first place. We cannot but react to these threats. Changes in the military and political situation have necessitated the need to clarify the foundations of Russia’s state policy on nuclear deterrence and adapt it to the new realities, including the possibility of using nuclear weapons in response to aggression against Belarus as a member of the Union State,” Mr. Belousov noted.

The Russian Defence Minister added that the agreement between Belarus and Russia on the guarantee of military security and a new security concept for Russia and Belarus is currently being finalised, “We continue to form a common defence space with Belarus and improve co-operation on the joint use of armed forces to ensure the military security of the Union State and the countries.”