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Belarus alleges that it's succumbing to Russian nuclear weaponry under duress from the West

Russia's Justification for hosting Nuclear Weapons in Belarus due to Increased Western Pressure, as per AFP report on March 28th, also states that this action does not breach international agreements. The Kremlin stated earlier that Western opposition would not affect Putin's plan to station...

Belarus justifies hosting Russian nuclear weapons in response to intensified Western pressure,...
Belarus justifies hosting Russian nuclear weapons in response to intensified Western pressure, according to AFP, a day after Kremlin asserted that Western opposition wouldn't alter Putin's tactical nuclear deployment strategies in Belarus. Belarus also asserts that this action does not breach international agreements.

Belarus alleges that it's succumbing to Russian nuclear weaponry under duress from the West

Russian Tactical Nuclear Weapons in Belarus: A Deepening Alliance

Just a day after the Kremlin dismissed claims that Western objections would alter President Vladimir Putin's strategies to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, Belarusian officials justified their decision to host these weapons, citing 'unprecedented' Western pressure [1]. However, it's essential to delve deeper into the reasons behind this decision, which reflects a growing military alliance between Russia and Belarus.

The Alliance Deepens

In May 2023, Russia and Belarus signed an agreement permitting the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear arms in Belarus. This agreement was followed by the transfer of these weapons to Belarus, completed in early October 2023, as confirmed by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko [2][3]. Plans are underway to deploy advanced Oreshnik missile systems, an experimental intermediate-range ballistic missile designed to bypass advanced air defense systems, to Belarus by the end of 2025. These systems are intended to carry nuclear weapons, although it remains unclear if they will be armed with warheads in Belarus [1][2].

International Consequences

The decision to host Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus has far-reaching international implications:

  1. Escalating Tensions: The deployment of these weapons heightens tensions between Russia and the West, especially in the context of lingering tensions with Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape [5].
  2. Nuclear Capability: While Belarus possesses nuclear delivery systems, it currently lacks nuclear warheads, according to Ukrainian intelligence. This indicates that while Belarus has the infrastructure, it lacks the ability to independently use nuclear force without Russian assistance [2][3].
  3. Regional Instability: The presence of Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus potentially complicates regional stability. It raises concerns about the possibility of nuclear conflict and adds complexity to diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving ongoing conflicts in the area [2][3].
  4. Dependency on Russia: Belarus's decision demonstrates its economic and military dependence on Russia. Approximately 80% of Belarusian defense enterprises are integrated into the Russian defense complex, underscoring the strategic alignment of Belarus with Russia [4].

In Conclusion

The hosting of Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus is part of a broader military alliance with Russia, driven by strategic interests rather than direct Western pressure. The implications are significant for regional stability and international relations, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts and nuclear threats.

This deepening alliance between Russia and Belarus, as evidenced by the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, is a pivotal development in the realm of war-and-conflicts and politics. As global news continues to unfold, the consequences of this nuclear capacity held by Belarus (which currently lacks nuclear warheads but possesses delivery systems), underpinned by its dependence on Russia, may further complicate regional stability and international diplomatic efforts.

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