US nuclear posture unchanged after Russia pledge to arm Belarus: State Department

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The US will not adjust its nuclear posture after Russia announced it would deploy tactical nuclear weapons in neighboring Belarus.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said over the weekend that Belarus could contain Russia’s tactical nuclear weapons by early summer.

But the Biden administration has said Russia is not seriously considering using nuclear weapons in Ukraine and will not adjust its nuclear posture in such a way.

At a March 27 press conference, State Department Deputy Press Secretary Vedant Patel said, “We see no reason to adjust the strategic nuclear regime and no indication that Russia is preparing to use nuclear weapons.” .

“No country threatens Russia or threatens President Putin,” Patel added.

Belarus, located just west of Russia and north of Ukraine, had previously allowed Russian forces to rally and attack Ukraine from within its borders. swore Participate in Russia’s war if Russia becomes the target of aggression from Ukraine or the West.

Putin’s announcement comes despite Putin’s repeated claims that Russia is invading Ukraine to prevent Western nuclear weapons from being deployed next to Russia, as Russia has been forced into Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Russia. It means that we can deploy nuclear weapons right next to Ukraine.

Such a move would also make it easier for the Kremlin to escalate its war against Ukraine.

Patel noted that despite Putin’s rhetoric, no other country threatened the use of nuclear weapons or sought to escalate the conflict over the ongoing war in Ukraine.

“Frankly, this announcement is what we condemn,” Patel said. “This is the latest example of irresponsible nuclear rhetoric from Russia.”

“No other country has attempted to do such damage to arms control or undermine the strategic stability of Europe. is not.”

Patel added that the United States and its NATO allies would have “serious consequences” for Russia should it launch a nuclear war, adding that the Biden administration will continue to “use many tools to hold the Russian Federation accountable.” are free to use,” he said.

To that end, Patel reiterated President Joe Biden’s belief that the world faces a series of challenges to democratic governance, tying Russia’s aggression to pressure on law and order.

“We are currently at an inflection point regarding the future of democracy, both in the United States and around the world,” Patel said.

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