Ukraine has responded to the nuclear exercises conducted by Russia and Belarus
Ukraine reacted strongly to the joint nuclear exercises conducted by Russia and Belarus, citing violations of international treaties and a threat to global security. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Moscow is effectively turning Belarus into a nuclear staging ground near NATO’s borders. This was reported by the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reacted strongly to reports of joint nuclear exercises by Russia and Belarus, stating that such actions not only undermine international security but also set a dangerous precedent that could have consequences far beyond the region.
Officials in Kyiv emphasized that the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons on Belarusian territory and the rehearsal of scenarios for their use pose a serious challenge to the global deterrence system.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that such actions violate the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which explicitly prohibits the transfer of control over nuclear technologies to non-nuclear-weapon states. “Joint rehearsals of strikes directly violate the fundamental Articles 1 and 2 of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which strictly prohibit nuclear states from transferring control over weapons of mass destruction to non-nuclear signatories, and non-nuclear signatories from accepting it,” the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated.
Ukrainian diplomats believe that the Kremlin is effectively turning Belarus into a “nuclear springboard” near NATO’s borders, escalating tensions in Europe and creating additional risks to international stability.
Kyiv also emphasized that the militarization of Belarus makes it an accomplice to Russia’s policy of nuclear pressure, which goes beyond what is permissible under the current system of international law. “The audacity of Moscow and Minsk, which have deliberately crossed all the ‘red lines’ of the NPT, cannot go unchallenged without a firm, consolidated response and systematic deterrence of both regimes by the Euro-Atlantic community and the entire world,” the Foreign Ministry stressed.
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