The North Atlantic Alliance is currently formulating a plan for the potential deployment of nuclear weapons against Russia, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said in an interview with TASS.
"NATO follows a practice known as joint nuclear missions. This practice involves non-nuclear member countries of the alliance participating in military planning that includes the use of nuclear weapons. These countries' specialists also undergo training to handle American nuclear weaponry. Furthermore, these military exercises simulate scenarios in which such nuclear weapons could be employed against our country," highlighted the deputy minister.
Baseless allegations
Galuzin highlighted that the US has maintained its nuclear stockpiles within the borders of non-nuclear NATO member nations since the Cold War, despite the absence of genuine threats. The Russian side has consistently underscored that this practice "adversely impacts the state of international and European security," the senior diplomat added.
"Furthermore, during the July NATO summit in Vilnius, Western nations adopted measures, particularly in the realm of military strategizing, with the intention of bolstering their military capabilities and expanding the alliance's infrastructure close to the borders of the Union State comprising Russia and Belarus," he added. "The pivotal significance of nuclear arms as a deterrent against potential adversaries of the North Atlantic coalition was reiterated once more," he further emphasized.
Amidst these circumstances, Galuzin pointed out that any supplementary measures taken by NATO pertaining to rightful endeavors aimed at enhancing the security of Russia and the Union State "appear unjustified" and "will only contribute to heightened escalation, potentially exacerbating nuclear risks."
"We anticipate that Washington and Western European capitals will grasp this perspective," - he continued. - "The placement of Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus is a reaction to the escalating threats from Western countries towards our nation and the Union State. This move fully aligns with all international legal norms and remains in harmony with the international commitments of both Russia and Belarus."
Poland's interests
Addressing Warsaw's apprehensions about the presence of Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus and the transfer of the PMC "Wagner" there, Galuzin remarked that "another instance of fear" from the Polish leadership towards Moscow and Minsk "will likely come as no surprise to many."
"They seem to come up with every possible argument. I see these efforts by the Polish authorities as primarily driven by their intention to elevate their standing among NATO allies and to rationalize sizeable expenditures on military acquisitions for the Polish Armed Forces, as well as their support – both military and otherwise – for Ukraine," the Galuzin concluded.
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Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on materials from TASS