Belarus President Assures No Use of Nuclear Arms

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a staunch ally of Russia, stated that the tactical nuclear weapons deployed in Belarus by Russia will never be used. Lukashenko emphasized that the weapons are necessary to deter potential aggressors and accused Western countries of trying to destroy Belarus. Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated that the deployment does not violate the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty as Russia retains control over the weapons. Lukashenko's support for Russia includes allowing the launch of part of the invasion of Ukraine from Belarus and enabling the relocation of Wagner fighters to Belarus.