NATO and Russians playing with fire that could lead to a catastrophe. NATO ignoring signs just like it ignored the Russian threats of invasion of Ukraine:-
Russian President Vladimir Putin says he plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in neighboring Belarus. Meanwhile, fighting remains fierce in the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut. Follow live updates.
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NATO calls Russia’s nuclear rhetoric “dangerous and irresponsible”
From CNN’s Xiaofei Xu in Paris and Mariya Knight in Atlanta
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during the Russian-Chinese talks at the Grand Kremlin Palace, on March 21, in Moscow, Russia. (Contributor/Getty Images)
Russia’s announcement that it will move tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus is “dangerous and irresponsible,” a NATO spokesperson told CNN Sunday.
“NATO is vigilant, and we are closely monitoring the situation. We have not seen any changes in Russia’s nuclear posture that would lead us to adjust our own,” said NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu in a statement.
"Russia’s reference to NATO’s nuclear sharing is totally misleading," Lungescu continued, referring to
Putin's claims that his move would merely mirror those of Western nations.
"NATO allies act with full respect of their international commitments. Russia has consistently broken its arms control commitments, most recently suspending its participation in the
New START Treaty," she said.
"Russia must return to compliance and act in good faith,” Lungescu said.
The European Union’s foreign policy chief also condemned Putin's announcement.
“Belarus hosting Russian nuclear weapons would mean an irresponsible escalation & threat to European security. Belarus can still stop it, it is their choice,” Josep Borrell, who serves as the EU's top diplomat,
said in a tweet. “The EU stands ready to respond with further sanctions.”