Opinions & Interviews

Putin confirms plans to discuss non-strategic nuclear weapons exercise with Lukashenko

MINSK, 24 May (BelTA) – President of Russia Vladimir Putin has confirmed the intention to discuss the exercise meant to practice the application of non-strategic nuclear weapons with Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko. The Russian head of state mentioned it at a meeting with Aleksandr Lukashenko after the arrival in Minsk, BelTA has learned.

Vladimir Putin said: “Certainly we will talk about the second phase of the exercise [meant to practice the application of non-strategic nuclear weapons]. Due to the direct involvement of our Belarusian friends, colleagues from the military in these events.”

He added that the agenda of the negotiations is extensive and he was glad he had managed to come in the evening on 23 May in order to talk about all the matters in an informal setting.

“After negotiations with our Arab friends I also had a big meeting with members of the government. We actually talked about my visit to you. We touched upon virtually all the aspects: manufacturing cooperation, power engineering, agriculture, security matters. Probably half of the government was present. Some will come here and will participate in the negotiations tomorrow. Those, who will not be present, asked me to say hello and wish prosperity to Belarus,” the Russian leader said. “A lot has been done by our colleagues recently. With your direct participation and support. Today and tomorrow we will discuss all of it, including the security matters, to which you pay much attention all the time. There are things we should talk about. Everything is turning out stable and fine for us.”

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