Volfovich: tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus are an element of strategic deterrence of the West

The West has simply left Belarus no other way out – as noted by the State Secretary of the Security Council, Aleksandr Volfovich, when commenting on the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in the country

Photo: video screenshot

In his talk with the ONT TV channel, Mr. Volfovich said that the corresponding decision had been made against the background of the events ongoing on the territory of Belarus’ neighbouring states.

“As regards the events happening on the territory of the neighbouring countries now, primarily Poland, up to 4 percent of the GDP is allocated to defence needs to the detriment of the economy and the interests of ordinary citizens. By and large, an offensive grouping is being created, and this is apparent to the naked eye. To cool these heads, Belarus, of course, can go the same way and re-target its economy for military needs, start increasing and deploying the Armed Forces to the size of wartime. Actually, this will put a huge burden on the economy and Belarusians’ welfare. Why should this be done? People are used to living in a civilised fashion, with comfort,” Mr. Volfovich said.

The State Secretary of the Security Council also stressed that the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus is ‘an element of strategic deterrence in military terms’. “The West has simply left Belarus no other way out – although, by withdrawing nuclear weapons from it in the 1990s, the West, primarily the United States, guaranteed security and absence of any sanctions against Belarus. Everything has been violated, all the promises have collapsed. Therefore, the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus is among the measures of strategic deterrence. If there is still some understanding in the Western politicians’ minds, then they will, of course, not cross this red line – since the use of even tactical nuclear weapons will lead to irreversible consequences. Definitely, this will be an extreme step, but it will be a justified step to protect our country. We do not need what doesn’t belong to us, but we will never give up our own," Mr. Volfovich emphasised.