Deployment of tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus is a retaliatory measure within the framework of strategic deterrence. This opinion was expressed to BelTA by Alexander Ketner, military analyst at the Belarusian Institute of Strategic Research.
"First of all, this decision is dictated by the policy pursued by Western countries. In 1996, the Republic of Belarus withdrew from its territory nuclear weapons that belonged to the USSR. Western countries signed the Budapest Memorandum and guaranteed security. Unfortunately, nothing has been done of what was written. Sanctions have been imposed, and NATO is expanding. Therefore, the construction of a storage facility on the territory of Belarus is a logical step. This is a retaliatory measure within the framework of strategic deterrence," the expert believes.
According to him, in doing so, Belarus and Russia strengthen the defense capability of the Union State in the face of the threat from the West. "The deployment of nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus is, first of all, the guarantee of security for the country itself. And this is a higher level of credibility and support from Russia. Such decision is absolutely thoughtful, based on protecting national interests of the Republic of Belarus and, of course, is an important contribution to ensuring the Union State's security", Alexander Ketner added.
The BISR analyst drew attention to the fact that the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons (TNW) in Belarus is an unambiguous message to the West and speaks of the seriousness of intentions of the leaders of the two countries. "By deploying nuclear weapons on the territory, we are thus sending a serious signal about our intentions and the unity of the Union State." According to the expert, the hype raised in Western countries around TNW deployment in Belarus indicates that signals being sent have been heard. "This hype is a vivid confirmation of the signal being sent to Western countries. And if you look who is raising the fuss most of all, and this is Poland and the Baltic countries, then it is clear that we have chosen the right direction. After all, these countries have been actively increasing their combat potential recently", he concluded.