Opinions & Interviews

Volfovich: Tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus are no threat to other countries

Screenshot from www.voentv.mil.by/ru

MINSK, 15 August (BelTA) – The deployment of tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus is a forced measure that in no way threatens other countries, State Secretary of the Security Council of Belarus Aleksandr Volfovich said at the 11th Moscow Conference on International Security on 15 August, BelTA has learned.

“Belarus stands for peace, good neighborliness, mutual respect, consideration for the interests of other states. Yet, taking into consideration the developments in the neighboring states, primarily in Poland, the Baltic Sea countries (deployment of new military units, the arrival of new weapons, plans to increase military spending), we were forced to take measures of strategic deterrence to ensure security,” Aleksandr Volfovich said.

“The deployment of tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus (it has been discussed at the conference today) is a forced measure that in no way threatens the security of Poland, Lithuania, or other countries. It will be used only if someone tries to encroach on the independent territory of the Republic of Belarus. Otherwise, these weapons will be stored in warehouses in compliance with all the rules and regulations. And we hope that they will never be used. We understand the consequences of using these weapons,” Aleksandr Volfovich said.

The journalists asked Aleksandr Volfovich to give his take on Belarus’ defense capabilities. “Belarus is not at war with anyone, all our stocks - operational, military, and strategic - are in warehouses, ready for use. And, of course, we would not want this stock to be used. We have enough resources to protect our country, and our response will be tough,” he stressed.

The state secretary emphasized the importance of such forums as the Moscow Conference on International Security. “Reluctance to identify and discuss security issues can lead to a large-scale war. Therefore, representatives of many countries of Africa, Asia, the People’s Republic of China, and our other strategic partners and friends have arrived at this forum today in defiance of the West in order to share their views, their vision of the development of the international situation, to discuss potential security challenges. They can also use the opportunity to visit the Army 2023 International Military Forum, to see new products and technology, to consider buying something and to show the best of their defense industry. Belarus also used this opportunity to showcase its most advanced weapons. Visitors to the forum can see that Belarus has made progress in building defense industry partnerships. Belarus’ military products are of interest to many states,” added Aleksandr Volfovich.

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