The nuclear threats of the Russian Federation are aimed at moderating military assistance to Ukraine from Western countries.
On the eve of April 4, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu justified the decision to deploy Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, accusing NATO of stepping up combat training and reconnaissance near the borders. However, the speeches of the Russian minister do not contain new data on the Belarusian exercises and are part of the information operation. This is stated in a new report by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Experts speculate that Moscow has again resorted to nuclear blackmail as Finland joins NATO and the US has promised Ukraine a new military aid package. Analysts say the Kremlin is using these threats to deter Western military aid to Kyiv ahead of Ukraine’s planned counteroffensive.
The ISW believes that the risk of nuclear escalation remains very low, and the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons by Russia in Belarus is unlikely to affect the realities of hostilities in Ukraine. In addition, Russian personnel will control nuclear weapons in Belarus.
Recall that recently Russian dictator Vladimir Putin announced his intention to place tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. Subsequently, the self-proclaimed president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, added that Russia could also deploy strategic nuclear weapons if the need arose.
And on April 4, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that Belarus already has attack aircraft and Iskander-M systems capable of delivering tactical nuclear strikes. The Belarusian missile troops have already begun training to work with Iskanders.
Source: Racurs
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