MINSK. May 29 (Interfax) - Russian tactical nuclear weapons hosted by Belarus aim at strategic deterrence of Western states, Belarusian Security Council State Secretary Alexander Volfovich said on Sunday.
"The situation in the neighboring countries today, first of all, in Poland where up to 4% of GDP is assigned for defense to the detriment of the economy and the interests of average citizens. In fact, an offensive group is being formed, and we can see this with the naked eye. Seeking to cool off these hot heads, Belarus may act likewise, refocus the economy on military needs, and start increasing and deploying the Armed Forces in war-time numbers, but that would hugely burden the economy and the wellbeing of citizens, the population of Belarus. Why do this? People are used to living a comfortable, civilized, beautiful life. So, tactical nuclear weapons are obviously an element of strategic military deterrence, so to say," Volfovich said in an interview with the state-run television channel ONT.
"The West has simply left no other choice to Belarus. Although, when nuclear weapons were being withdrawn from Belarus in the 19990s, the West, above all the United States, guaranteed to ensure security and absence of any sanctions against it. Everything has been breached and every promise has been broken. So, the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in the Republic of Belarus is a step of strategic deterrence," he said.
"If Western politicians have any sense left, of course, they will not overstep this red line. Because the use of even tactical nuclear weapons will have irreversible consequences," Volfovich said.
"Naturally, that would be an extreme move. However, it is justified by the need to protect our country. We do not want what does not belong to us, but we are not going to give up what's ours," he said.