BNR Rada: Russian nuclear deployment to put Belarusians at risk

May 26, BPN. Possible deployment of Russian nuclear weapons to Belarus puts ordinary Belarusians “at risk of not only a retaliatory but also a preventive nuclear strike,” says a statement by the Rada (Council) of the Belarusian National Republic (BNR).

Known as the oldest government in exile since 1918, the Rada has no executive powers but plays a prominent symbolic role.

The Western countries’ lack of interest in Belarus will inevitably lead to increased Russian military presence in the country and create a threat to Europe and the whole world, it noted.

Alaksandr Łukašenka is an “usurper” and has no right to make decisions for the Belarusian people, it added.

The Rada called on the democratic governments and parliaments to support Belarusians in “their struggle against the Putin-Łukašenka occupation.”

On May 25, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktar Chrenin and his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu signed the terms of storage of Russian non-strategic nuclear weapons in Belarus. Two months earlier, Putin announced that Russia planned to construct the facility by July 1.

Belarusian leadership will not be authorized to control any of these weapons, Shoigu stressed.