ASTANA, 14 October (BelTA) – President Vladimir Putin and Russia's leadership have never intended to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the statement in an interview with the U.S. television company NBC in Astana, Kazakhstan, BelTA has learned.
Aleksandr Lukashenko was asked about the probability of the Russian president's deciding to use nuclear weapons.
The Belarusian head of state noted: “Don't back your partner or even an adversary into a corner. It is the key thing. This is why one must not cross those lines, the red lines as Russians put it. One must not cross them. As for nuclear weapons, any weapon is made for a purpose. If there is a weapon, it is clear that it is being made to be used. Russia has clearly identified its position: Russia will be able to use all kinds of weapons if god forbid, the territory of the Russian Federation is attacked.”
“As for the implication of your question, Russia's leadership, including President Putin, has never intended to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine. There is no need for that,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.
The president reminded that several days ago Russia used high-precision weapons to strike targets in Ukraine in response to actions concerning the Crimean bridge. “You have noticed that it was forceful. Quite a lot of force. But it is not everything there is. I know for a fact that Russia has cutting-edge kinds of weapons. There is no need for nuclear weapons. Russia can succeed without nuclear weapons,” Aleksandr Lukashenko assured.
Yet Aleksandr Lukashenko wondered who stands to benefit from hyping up the matter. “Not thousands but hundreds of thousands of people will die [if nuclear weapons are used]. On Ukraine's side, too,” he said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko also pointed out that some leaders of nuclear powers had started talking about nuclear weapons. “I think Macron started touching upon this topic in the UK more than once. One must not even talk about this topic. It will be the end of the planet if only a single country resorts to nuclear weapons. Because it will cause a chain reaction. It is understood perfectly well in Russia. I emphasize one more time that I know it for a fact that nobody raises the question and nobody pushes for using nuclear weapons. I know it absolutely well,” the Belarusian leader stated.
“It is necessary to look for a peaceful solution to this conflict. It is beneficial for everyone, including the USA,” Aleksandr Lukashenko is convinced.
