Dmitry Peskov, the spokesman for the president of Russia, commented on Western reactions to Moscow’s plan to create storage facilities for tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. He argued that the West is reacting with hysteria and seems to forget the nuclear deployments already present in Europe.
In the interview on the program Moscow. Kremlin. Putin, Peskov emphasized that while Western voices focus on the Belarus plan, they appear inclined to overlook the long-standing presence of American nuclear weapons in Europe near Russia. He added that the current response from the Western bloc is overly dramatic in relation to Russia’s move to establish storage sites in Belarus, a step he described as part of ongoing strategic considerations with Minsk. He noted that President Putin recently discussed the issue with Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko, describing it as a very important matter.
According to Peskov, the Western response to statements by President Putin has been excessively expansive. He recalled that Moscow had previously announced its intention to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus at Minsk’s request. He also pointed out that the United States has long positioned nuclear arms on allied soil, and this situation should not be framed as a simple arms transfer between states.
american rules
Highlighting the divergence between Russian and American approaches, Peskov argued that Russia operates within international law, while the United States is guided by interests that are not always transparent. He claimed that Americans call on others to adhere to rules while Russia calls on everyone to live by international law, a distinction he described as a fundamental difference between the two approaches.
He suggested that Washington believes everyone should follow its preferred path, a stance he characterized as letting others dance to a tune set in Washington. The spokesperson summed up this contrast as one rule for the global stage and a different set of rules for others.
Minsk agreements
In the interview, the press secretary also reflected on the Minsk accords signed in 2014. He stated that Western reactions suggested Kyiv gained the freedom to pursue military actions against Russians, and that the negotiations’ perceived deception by participants had worsened the situation.
He asserted that the Minsk agreements were not embraced as intended, and their perceived failure amplified the conflict. This, in his view, helped escalate hostilities and drew the Russian military operation closer to reality.
Former French president François Hollande, who took part in Minsk, described the aims of the accords as preventing escalation, achieving a ceasefire, and reducing casualties. He also noted that the agreements gave Kiev time to strengthen its armed forces, a point echoed by former German chancellor Angela Merkel.
“Russia will not allow Belarus to be offended”
Addressing a question about trust in Belarus, a close ally, Peskov said Minsk would not be used as a tool to pit neighboring states against each other. He asserted that Belarus would side with Moscow if necessary, and vice versa, showing the depth of the alliance.
He added that there is no doubt about this mutual stance. He also observed that both Russia and Belarus face hostile environments in their surrounding regions.
Peskov noted that traditional security approaches have shifted given new circumstances and emerging threats. In response, a refreshed Security Concept for the Union State is being prepared to reflect current realities.
The spokesman pointed to the emergence of threats that were once veiled but are now evident, suggesting the need to align Russia and Belarus’s positions with the evolving security landscape. The new Concept aims to outline key tasks for cooperation between Moscow and Minsk amid growing tensions along external borders and the impact of economic sanctions.