The High Representative of the European Union (EU) for foreign policy and security, Josep Borelj, warned today that the EU is "ready" for new sanctions against Belarus if that country deploys Russian nuclear weapons on its territory.
"Belarus receiving Russian nuclear weapons would represent an irresponsible increase in tension and a threat to European security. Belarus can still stop it, it is its choice. The EU is ready to respond with further sanctions," Borelj wrote on Twitter.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Saturday that Moscow will deploy "tactical" nuclear weapons on the territory of its ally Belarus, which borders the European Union.
Moscow's nuclear rhetoric is dangerous and irresponsible, NATO announced today.
"NATO is on alert and we are carefully monitoring the situation. We have not noticed any changes in Russia related to nuclear weapons," said the alliance's spokeswoman, Oana Lungescu.
At the end of February, the EU extended sanctions against Belarus for a year due to the repression carried out by the regime of Alexander Lukashenko and support for the war waged by Russia in Ukraine.
The President of Belarus Lukashenka and 194 other figures close to his regime were banned from entering the EU, and their assets were frozen.
Belarus is also subject to targeted economic sanctions, including restrictions on the financial sector, trade, dual-use goods, telecommunications, energy and transport.
Putin justified the deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus by deploying American weapons in Europe.
"It's nothing unusual. The US has been doing it for decades. They have a long history of deploying their tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of their allies," Putin said, adding that he had agreed with Belarus to do so.
The President of Russia said that the training of personnel will begin on April 3, and the construction of a special storage facility for tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus will be completed by July 1.
Lungescu said Russia was violating its arms control obligations by recently suspending its participation in the New START treaty with the US.
"Russia must return to respecting its obligations and acting in good faith," the NATO spokeswoman added.
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