In a move set to further escalate tensions with the West, Russia will station tactical nuclear weapons close to Belarus’ borders with NATO countries, a Russian envoy confirmed on Sunday.
The weapons will be “moved to the western border of our union state and will increase the possibilities to ensure security,” Russian ambassador to Belarus, Boris Gryzlov, told Belarusian state television.
“It will expand our defense capability, and it will be done regardless of the outcry raised in Europe and the United States,” he said, in reference to the West’s criticism of Putin’s decision.
Gryzlov’s comments come after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced his plans last month to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. His decision came as a reaction to Britain’s decision to provide Ukraine with armor-piercing rounds containing depleted uranium….