G7 calls Russia’s intent to deploy nukes in Belarus “dangerous and unacceptable”

May 19, BPN. The Group of Seven advanced economies has said Russia’s declared intention to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus is “dangerous and unacceptable.”

In a statement on the first day of a summit in Hiroshima, G7 also condemned Russia’s “irresponsible nuclear rhetoric” and “undermining of arms control regimes.”

“We reiterate our call on third parties to immediately cease providing material support to Russia’s aggression, or face severe costs,” the statement reads.

Last year, G7 called on Belarusian officials “to stop enabling the Russian war of aggression” against Ukraine. It warned them against deeper involvement in Russian hostilities, threatening “overwhelming additional costs.” One month ago, it reaffirmed that Russia’s nuclear rhetoric was unacceptable.

In March, Vladimir Putin announced that Russia was planning to deploy nuclear weapons in Belarus, pointing to the United States having them in several partner countries.

Earlier this week, Belarus’ envoy to the United Nations said that his country had not taken any practical steps to host tactical nuclear weapons on its territory. 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.