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"Russian embassy calls US criticism of Moscow’s tactical nuclear weapon deployment to Belarus hypocritical, saying ‘before blaming others Washington could use some introspection"
Russia has dismissed
US criticism over the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus by
highlighting America's own history of similar actions in Europe.
In was reported
that Russia proceeded with its first deployment of tactical nuclear weapons
outside its borders since the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991. Belarusian
President Alexander Lukashenko confirmed the movement of these arms by saying
that “they are under way”.
US President
Joe Biden expressed an "extremely negative" reaction to reports of
Russia's deployment in Belarus.
In response, Russia's
embassy in the United States defended the action, emphasizing the need to
ensure security amid a perceived hybrid war initiated by Washington.
Russia asserted
“the measure we have taken are fully in line with international obligations”.
About Tactical
Nuclear Weapons:
Such weapons
are employed for strategic gains on the battlefield and typically possess lower
yields compared to strategic nuclear weapons designed to target cities in the
United States, Europe, or Russia.
Russia
Criticizes US by terming its move as Hypocrisy:
The Russian
embassy labelled US criticism of Moscow's deployment as hypocritical,
suggesting that Washington should reflect on its own actions. It also said, “before
blaming others, Washington could use some introspection”.
This includes:
- The longstanding presence of US nuclear weapons in Europe
- Participation in nuclear sharing arrangements with NATO allies, and
- Joint training scenarios involving the use of nuclear weapons against Russia.
However, United
States has warned of the gravest nuclear danger since the 1962 Cuban Missile
Crisis, citing President Vladimir Putin's remarks during the Ukraine conflict.
In the response
again, Russia contends that its position has been misunderstood. He termed the war
as a battle for its survival against an aggressive West. In addition, Russia,
possessing the largest nuclear arsenal globally, asserts its determination to
utilize all means necessary for self-defense.
History of US
Nuclear Deployments:
Since President
Dwight D. Eisenhower authorized their deployment during the Cold War, the
United States has stationed nuclear weapons in Western Europe to counter the
perceived Soviet threat.
The initial
deployment occurred in Britain in 1954. While specific details regarding the
current American deployment are classified.
But an estimate
suggests the presence of 100 B61 tactical nuclear weapons across Europe,
including Italy, Germany, Turkey, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
(Courtesy:
Al-Jazeera)
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