Russia’s plan to deploy nukes in Belarus “just a statement” – Belarusian envoy

May 16, BPN. Belarus’ envoy to the United Nations has said that his country has not taken any practical steps to host tactical nuclear weapons on its territory, despite Russia’s announcement of such plans in March.

Valancin Rybakoŭ said that the announcement was “just a statement” and that any decisions on the issue would be made by Belarus’ government, not by any foreign government. But he added that Belarus has the right to defend itself against threats and challenges.

A Lithuanian diplomat criticized Belarus for supporting Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and becoming more “integrated into Russia’s military plans.” He said Russia’s intention to deploy tactical nukes in Belarus violated the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, which guaranteed Ukraine’s security in exchange for giving up its nuclear arsenal.

Vladimir Putin had said Russia would station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus without breaking its own non-proliferation obligations. He said Russia would do the same as the United States, which keeps nuclear weapons in some of its allied countries.