Russian President Vladimir Putin’s plans to deploy tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of neighboring Belarus will not change the strategic balance of forces in Europe. However, this decision is contrary to the promises made to Chinese President Xi Jinping, writing Bloomberg.
Tarik Rauf, former head of the IAEA’s Security Policy Oversight and Coordination Department, is convinced that Putin’s decision “casts doubt on the outcome of his meeting with Xi”.
“He seems to signal to an internal audience, trying to convince his own audience that everything is fine with Russia, that (the special operation) in Ukraine is going well,” Rauf said.
The intention to deploy nuclear weapons in Belarus may indicate that Moscow and Beijing are interpreting their commitments differently, writes Bloomberg. Former US Ambassador Michael McFaul added that Russia’s plans “are not very respectful of ‘good friend’ Xi”.
In a joint statement by Russia and China following the Moscow meeting, it was stated that “all states possessing nuclear weapons should refrain from deploying them abroad.” However, Vladimir Putin said on March 25 that he planned to place tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, and the construction of a special storage facility in the country should be completed by July 1.
According to the Russian president, this will not be a violation of non-proliferation obligations set out earlier, as Russia will not transfer nuclear weapons to Belarus.
“We do not transfer (nuclear weapons), the United States does not transfer to its allies. We basically do everything they have done for decades. They have (nuclear charges) in some countries with the allies and their aircraft carriers are being prepared, and the crews are also preparing them. We will do the same,” Putin said.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said in response to Putin’s remarks that the parties should “focus on diplomatic efforts to peacefully resolve the Ukraine crisis and work together to de-escalate.”
According to analysts, technically Russia can deploy tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus by July 2023. The country has a sufficient number of facilities that can be converted to store short-range Iskander missiles that can carry tactical nuclear warheads.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has already called Russia’s statement a “provocation” that undermines the international security system in the area of nuclear deterrence. Kiev also demanded to call a meeting of the UN Security Council and warn Belarus of the consequences if the agreements with Moscow remain in force.
Polish European Affairs Minister Shimon Shinkovsky called Russia’s decision to deploy tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus an element of escalation. “The reaction must be calm and firm,” he said.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said the EU would be ready to impose new sanctions if Russian nuclear weapons were deployed on the territory of Belarus. Vladimir Putin’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov said the West’s reaction would not affect Russia’s plans.
