G7 leaders concerned about transfer of nuclear-capable missiles to Belarus

June 27, BPN. The G7 leaders have expressed serious concern after the announcement by Russia that it could transfer missiles with nuclear capabilities to Belarus.

The leaders reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to support the government and people of Ukraine in their courageous defense of their country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in their fight for a peaceful, prosperous and democratic future.

“We remain appalled by and continue to condemn the brutal, unprovoked, unjustifiable and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine by Russia and aided by Belarus. We condemn and will not recognise Russia’s continued attempts to re-draw borders by force,” the June 27 statement says.

The G7 countries “are committed to sustaining and intensifying international economic and political pressure on President Putin’s regime and its enablers in Belarus.”

Two days earlier, Alaksandr Lukašenka asked Vladimir Putin to equip Belarus’ warplanes for “a mirror response” to alleged NATO exercises near Belarus involving planes carrying nuclear bombs. Putin said that Russia could upgrade Sukhoi Su-25 ground attack aircraft in service with the Belarusian Armed Forces and train pilots. Putin also promised to transfer nuclear-capable Iskander-M mobile short-range ballistic and cruise missile systems to Belarus in the next few months.