Belarus, Russia discuss new arms control system for Europe

June 1, BPN. Belarusian and Russian defense officials have discussed the need for a new arms control system in Europe amid rising tensions with NATO.

The meeting in Minsk involved Valeryj Ravienka, head of Belarus’ international military cooperation department, and a delegation from the Nuclear Threat Reduction Center of Russia’s Ministry of Defense.

They agreed to cooperate closely on regional security and arms control issues, Belarus’ Ministry of Defense said.

Russia moved to withdraw from the 1990 Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe in May, citing confrontation with the West. Belarus remains a party to the treaty.

Russia also plans to deploy tactical nuclear weapons on Belarusian territory.