Russia and Belarus this week announced exercises that will test non-strategic nuclear weapons and their readiness to use them. This is by no means the first time that Latvia’s neighboring countries respond to Western aid to Ukraine by launching nuclear weapons. How not to get caught up in the empty threats of the aggressor countries, but to evaluate what is happening with a clear mind? Toms Rostok, director of the Center for Security and Strategic Research, and Jānis Sārts, head of NATO’s Strategic Communication Center of Excellence, comment on the situation.
Training in Belarus – a response to Ukraine’s support
Director of the Center for Security and Strategic Research, Tom Rostok, explains that announcements about the implementation of such exercises are a response to Western countries’ efforts to support Ukraine.
“Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Russia has tried to achieve as little involvement of Western countries as possible and the provision of as little aid as possible to Ukraine. Initially, it worked quite well, however, the supply of weapons, which were also before the start of the war in the form of anti-tank weapons, has had an upward trend.”
Consequently, Russia loses its ability to deter allies from providing aid to Ukraine. And this is a big problem for the Kremlin, because Russia cannot compete with the West’s combined military power, which is much larger.
“What Russia is doing now and what Putin has approved, namely these exercises, is being implemented as a response to the recent actions of Western countries and the statements of politicians.”
Tags: signal West direct threat Experts nonstrategic nuclear weapons exercises Belarus
