threat
New military doctrine: Belarus plans to use nuclear weapons
Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin (M) has revised Belarus’ military doctrine. photo
© Nikolai Petrov/BelTA Pool/AP/dpa
Belarus is confronted with a threat situation. Therefore, military doctrine was revised.
The former Soviet republic, closely allied with Russia Belarus has enshrined the use of nuclear weapons in its new military doctrine. Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin said this in an interview with journalists.
In view of the new threat situation, it was necessary to revise the doctrine that has been in force since 2016. The sources of military threats to the country have been clearly identified, the minister said. He did not provide any more specific information about the planned use of nuclear weapons.
The doctrine also clearly defines obligations towards allies, said Chrenin. Belarus is considered Russia’s closest ally, which launched its war of aggression against Ukraine from Belarusian territory almost two years ago.
Russia deployed tactical nuclear missiles in Belarus last year following an announcement by President Vladimir Putin. While Putin stated that Moscow would retain control of the weapons, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko later contradicted this. If his country is faced with aggression, he will not hesitate to order the use of weapons, he said.