The deployment of the Russian Oreshnik missile system in Belarus is a response to the escalation of the situation in the region and modern threats. Alexander Lukashenko said this today, October 28, at the III Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security.
"The deployment of these weapons in Belarus is nothing but a response to the escalation of the situation in the region and modern threats. Please, let's move away from this, and the talk about the "Hazel Tree" will stop. We do not threaten anyone, we only ensure our safety. Moreover, we are always open to constructive dialogue and mutual steps to reduce tensions. If our partners in the West are ready for this, neither we nor Russia will remain in debt!" — He said.
The Belarusian leader also reminded that the measures provided for by the Treaty on Security Guarantees within the Union State are purely defensive in nature.
"The Agreement on Security Guarantees signed last year within the framework of the Union State provides for the use of any kind of weapons, including nuclear ones. For protection! I would like to stress once again that this step is purely defensive in nature and was made in strict accordance with international law and the provisions of the Treaty on the Non—Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons," Lukashenko said.
He also stressed that Minsk and Moscow have no aggressive aspirations towards European countries.
"We are not aiming anywhere, we don't need Europe, Paris and London. Even Lithuania and Poland, Vilnius and Warsaw. We do not need escalation," the President of Belarus said.
Recall, Belarus and Russia is building a Union state. The parties pay special attention to the sphere of joint defense. In this regard, Russian tactical nuclear weapons have already appeared on the territory of Belarus and places have been prepared for the deployment of the Hazel.