Ukraine is looking on the United Nations to carry an emergency session following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s risk to put nuclear weapons in neighboring Belarus.
Putin introduced the transfer on Sunday, framing it as a warning to Western international locations. Ukraine’s authorities referred to as on the U.N. to counter Russia’s “nuclear blackmail,” arguing Putin had made Belarus its “nuclear hostage.”
Putin stated the development of the storage amenities for the weapons within the Russian-allied nation, which borders Ukraine and three NATO international locations – Latvia, Lithuania and Poland – could be accomplished by the start of July.
Putin argued that Russia was solely adopting the insurance policies of the U.S. and different Western international locations with the deployment.
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“We’re doing what they’ve been doing for many years, stationing them in sure allied international locations, getting ready the launch platforms and coaching their crews,” Putin stated on state tv, in response to the Related Press.
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Ukraine’s International Ministry urged members of the U.N. Safety Council to behave in opposition to Putin.
“Ukraine expects efficient motion to counter the Kremlin’s nuclear blackmail by the U.Okay., China, the U.S. and France,” the assertion learn. “The world should be united in opposition to somebody who endangers the way forward for human civilization.”
The transfer comes simply days after Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up a visit to Moscow final week. Xi and Putin referred to 1 one other as “expensive buddies” all through the go to, although China maintains that it’s impartial within the battle with Ukraine.
Putin’s transfer is simply the most recent of his nuclear escalations. He also announced plans to droop Russia’s participation in an arms treaty with the U.S. final month.
“The elites of the West don’t disguise their goal. However in addition they can not fail to understand that it’s unattainable to defeat Russia on the battlefield,” Putin stated when withdrawing from the treaty.
Fox Information Brie Stimson contributed to this report.