Putin ‘elevating stakes’ with nuclear threats

Russian threats to put nuclear weapons is merely an try by dictator Vladimir Putin to “increase the stakes,” said Ukrainian navy intelligence spokesperson Andriy Yusov on March 27.

“Defeated on the battlefield in a traditional conflict, Putin resorts to nuclear blackmail,” mentioned Yusov in feedback to Radio Svoboda.

“That’s, it’s clear that that is an act of making an attempt to boost stakes. Though each the USA and the European Union clearly and unequivocally responded that they don’t plan to behave on this blackmail.”

Putin claimed on March 25 that his nation intends to put tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus because of the U.Okay. Protection Ministry’s current transfer to provide Ukraine with ammunition containing depleted uranium.

As well as, it was introduced that the Iskander operational-tactical missile system, which may carry nuclear warheads, can be deployed in Belarus.

Yusov added that again in January, Ukrainian intelligence warned that Putin might use the territory of Belarus for “nuclear provocations.”

Ukraine’s allies have additionally criticized Russia’s alleged plan, calling it “harmful and irresponsible.”

On March 26, European Union overseas coverage chief Josep Borrell reacted to Russia’s announcement, calling it an “irresponsible escalation and menace to European safety.”

Borrell added that Belarus, which acts as Russia’s ally within the conflict towards Ukraine, “can nonetheless cease it, it’s their selection.”

On March 27, Peter Stano, the spokesperson for the European Fee on overseas coverage points, said that the European Union would react if Russia deployed its tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus as introduced by Moscow.