Article author:
Reuters
Moscow — Russian President Vladimir Putin told Belarus' counterparts on Saturday that Moscow will supply Minsk with a missile system capable of carrying nuclear weapons, Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukaschenko raises concerns about his neighbors Lithuania and Poland's "aggressive," "opposed" and "repulsive" policies in a meeting with Putin in St. Petersburg. Expressed.
Putin helps Belarus take a "symmetrical response" to what he said was a nuclear-armed flight by the US-led NATO alliance near the Belarusian border. Requested to.
Putin believes no symmetrical response is needed at this time, but the Belarusian Russian Su-25 jet will be upgraded at the Russian factory if necessary. He said he could.
"Iskander-M tactical missile system will be transferred to Belarus. Belarus can use both ballistic and cruise missiles, both conventional and nuclear," a meeting of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. The summary cites his remarks.
Iskander-M, a mobile guided missile system codenamed "SS-26 Stone" by NATO, has replaced the Soviet "Scud". The two guided missiles have a range of up to 500 km (300 miles) and can carry conventional or nuclear warheads.
Part of a meeting between two men was aired.
"Minsk needs to be prepared for anything, even if it uses serious weapons to protect its homeland from Brest to Vladivostok," said Lukaschenko, Belarus and its close ally Russia. Was placed under one umbrella.
In particular, he sought help in making Belarusian military aircraft nuclear-ready.
Tensions between Russia and the West have increased since Moscow sent troops to Ukraine four months ago. NATO acknowledges Ukraine and claims it plans to use it as a platform to threaten Russia.
Russia's move not only triggered a barrage of Western sanctions, but also urged Sweden and Finland, north of Russia, to apply for participation in the Western Union.
Last week, in particular Lithuania, infuriated Russia by blocking the transportation of goods subject to European sanctions from Russia to Kaliningrad in the Baltic Sea of Russia via Belarus. ..
Russia calls this a "blockade", but Lithuania states that it affects only 1% of normal freight on the route and not passenger traffic. increase. (Report by Reuters, edited by Sandra Muller)
