Statement by the Russian authorities on the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus is is “In direct response to the UK’s previous decision send to Ukraine Warning of depleted uranium munitions and NATO’s increased response to the crisis” Global Times analytical.
“At a time when statements and actions of all parties increase the risk of nuclear conflict, experts emphasized that it is necessary to establish an effective peace negotiations mechanism as soon as possible so as not to continue the arms race and fuel the flames of conflict. ”says the publication.
On March 25, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia would deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, noting that “this step would not violate the promise of non-proliferation.”
He emphasized that Russia will complete the construction of a storage facility in Belarus by July 1, 2023 and will not transfer control of these weapons to Minsk. Reuters.
“Dangerous and irresponsible rhetoric”
On March 26, NATO criticized Moscow for its “dangerous and irresponsible” nuclear rhetoric.
“NATO is vigilant and we are monitoring the situation closely. We do not observe any changes in Russia’s nuclear policy that will force us to adapt our own policy, ”the representative of the North Atlantic Alliance said.
Cui Heng, assistant researcher at the Center for Russian Studies at the East China Normal University, believes Moscow’s move could be seen as a direct response to London’s announcement that it would send it. to Ukraine “Controversial depleted uranium shells” that Russia “will have to respond to”, according to Putin.
On 20 March, the British Ministry of Defense announced that some of the Challenger 2 battle tank ammunition sent by Britain to Ukraine contained armor-piercing shells containing depleted uranium.
“This decision is believed to set a very bad precedent, as many countries resist depleted uranium munitions because they harm not only soldiers but also civilians in the vicinity,” the text reads.
“Do not get involved in the conflict in Ukraine”
Moreover, military expert and TV commentator Song Zhongping said Russia’s announcement was a response to the intensification of NATO-led nonproliferation efforts.
“The United States has deployed nuclear weapons in many allied countries in Europe since the Cold War. By the time the Cold War ended, about 4,000 US tactical nuclear weapons remained in Europe. Around 100 nuclear warheads are stored at air bases in Europe in Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey, although that number has declined sharply since then, according to 2021 figures from the Center for Arms Control and Nonproliferation.
“With this move, Russia hopes to send a signal that Russia will continue to resist if the United States and the West continue to intervene in the Russia-Ukraine conflict or provide weapons of mass destruction,” Cui Heng said.
Analysts say tensions over a possible nuclear conflict have increased due to the Ukraine crisis, as NATO members increase shipments of heavy weapons to Ukraine.
Cui Heng noted that the Pentagon’s reaction to Russia’s statement was cautious – a senior ministry official said there was no sign that Moscow was planning to use its nuclear weapons.
“We see no reason to adjust our own strategic nuclear stance, we do not see any signs that Russia is preparing to use nuclear weapons.
“We remain committed to the collective defense of the NATO alliance,” the US Department of Defense press service said in a statement.
“The risk is not yet unmanageable”
The US stance shows that they do not want to anger Russia, so the risk is not yet unmanageable: Cui Heng believes both sides have shown common sense in avoiding a nuclear war. He argues, however, that the United States allegedly hopes to “achieve the long-term goal of Russia’s downfall by intervening in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.”
“For now, the key to preventing nuclear war lies in the political rationality of both Russian and US leaders.
“It is necessary to establish an effective mechanism to persuade negotiations and promote peace as soon as possible, and to urge both sides to implement nuclear weapons control mechanisms,” Song Zhongping said.