Russia Hopes NATO Assesses the Seriousness of the Situation, Ryabkov

Russia hopes that NATO is assessing the seriousness of the situation that has led to Moscow's decision to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. This was stated by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov to reporters, as reported by RIA Novosti.

The diplomat pointed out that infrastructure has been created, agreements have been reached with Belarus, and relevant measures have been organized. "There are plans, necessary storage facilities will be established. We hope that the seriousness of the situation is adequately assessed by NATO officials, and most importantly, by the politicians and leaders of the leading NATO countries who aspire, so to speak, to govern the world by the rules they have formulated for themselves," Ryabkov said.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow and Minsk had agreed to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus without violating international obligations. He mentioned that the construction of a storage facility for tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus would be completed by July 1. Putin explained that Russia is not transferring its nuclear weapons to Belarus, but is doing what the United States has done for decades, as the Americans train their (allied) personnel and pilots to use such types of weapons when necessary.