United States: no change in nuclear posture despite Belarus-Russia deal

May 25, BPN. The United States says it has seen no reason to adjust its strategic nuclear posture or any indications that Russia is preparing to use a nuclear weapon. The statement comes after Moscow and Minsk signed the terms of operation of a storage facility for tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.

Matthew Miller, spokesman for the Department of State, called the deal “the latest example of irresponsible behavior” from Russia since its invasion of Ukraine over a year ago.

White House press secretary Karin Jean-Pierre said the United States saw no indication that Russia was “preparing to use nuclear weapons for Belarus.”

Minsk gave up its Soviet-era nuclear weapons and joined an international nonproliferation treaty in the 1990s.

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

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu claimed today that Russia would keep control over the weapons and the decision on their use. Belarusian ruler Alaksandr Łukašenka said the transfer had already begun.