Russia has been sending nuclear weapons to Belarus for years, and the tensions are escalating. The US and other Western powers are now voicing concerns over President Vladimir Putin’s latest move to expand his arsenal of nuclear weapons.
Putin has been strengthening ties with Belarus since the two countries signed a Union State treaty in 1999. In recent months, there have been increased reports of Russian nuclear weapons being transferred to Belarus, with the latest being in August 2020.
The US and other Western countries are now warning of a new Cold War-style arms race and asking for more information on the weapons transfers. Here’s what we know about Putin’s latest move to send nuclear weapons to Belarus.
What is Putin Sending to Belarus?
Reports indicate that Putin is sending shorter-range nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles, such as the Iskander-M, to Belarus. This would be a marked increase in Russia’s arsenal of weapons, as the Iskander-M missile can travel up to 500 kilometers and carries as many as four warheads with a range of up to 500 kilometers.
The missiles are part of a larger weapons transfer that includes modern tanks, aircraft and radars.
Why is Putin Sending Nuclear Weapons to Belarus?
Russian officials have stated that these weapons transfers are purely defensive in nature. The Kremlin believes the military hardware is needed to protect the country from external threats, such as Western-backed missile defense systems in Poland, Romania and the Baltics.
The Russian military has also stated that the transfer is not a sign of aggression, but is instead part of an overall effort to modernize the nation’s defense capabilities.
Putin is also attempting to ensure that Belarus, a close ally of Russia, is well-protected from external threats. The two countries already have a close relationship and cooperation on many issues, including strategic defense.
How Have Other Countries Reacted?
The US and other Western countries have voiced their concerns over the nuclear weapons transfer, with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo calling it a “reckless escalation” and urging Moscow to halt the transfers.
NATO has also expressed alarm over the weapons transfer, with Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg warning that such moves could destabilize the region.
At the same time, Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko has welcomed the weapons transfer, saying it is necessary to protect his country from external threats. He has also stressed that the weapons would be used for defensive purposes only.
What Will Be the Impact of Putin Sending Nuclear Weapons to Belarus?
The international community is deeply concerned about Putin’s latest move to send nuclear weapons to Belarus, with some saying it could lead to a new Cold War-style arms race.
The increased tensions could lead to a breakdown in long-held agreements, such as the 2010 New START treaty, which limits both US and Russian nuclear arsenals.
The deployment of nuclear weapons so close to NATO members could also lead to a destabilization of the region, as both sides could be tempted to use nuclear weapons in a conflict.
It is unclear what the end result of Putin’s latest move to send nuclear weapons to Belarus is, but the international community is sure to be watching closely.
