European Commission comments on Putin's nuclear plans for Belarus: If this happens, there will be consequences
The European Union will definitely react if Russia implements its stated plans to deploy nuclear weapons in Belarus, but the EU is currently waiting for a comment from the Belarusian side.
Source: Peter Stano, European Commission Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Stano was asked what EU sanctions might be implemented in response to Russia's deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, and whether the EU planned to apply pre-emptive sanctions.
"As the high representative of the EU said, if this happens, there will be consequences," the spokesman answered.
He noted that the issue of sanctions is within the competence of member states and European Commission officials usually cannot disclose details before they have been approved by the countries.
"We are ready for all scenarios and reviewing our readiness as events unfold… First, it is essential to reject these statements and hear what the Belarusian side, the Lukashenko regime, which is already complicit in this barbaric illegal aggression, will say. But the fact is that this would be an escalation, creating a threat to the security of Europe, and [it] will not remain without a reaction from the member states," Peter Stano added.
Background: Russian President Vladimir Putin said on 27 March that Belarus would deploy tactical nuclear weapons by July, and compared his nuclear plans to the US deployment of its weapons in Europe. He insisted that Russia would not break its nuclear non-proliferation promises.
Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, called these plans a threat to European security. NATO called Russia's nuclear rhetoric "dangerous and irresponsible".
The US saw no signs of Russia preparing to use nuclear weapons.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine demanded an immediate convention of an emergency special session of the UN Security Council and expects the UK, China, the United States and France to take practical actions to counter nuclear blackmail coming from the Kremlin.
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