ST PETERSBURG, 25 June (BelTA) – Russia will hand over a number of tactical missile systems Iskander-M to Belarus within the next few months. President of Russia Vladimir Putin made the statement as he met with Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko in St Petersburg on 25 June, BelTA has learned.
Speaking about security matters, Vladimir Putin pointed out that Americans keep 200 units of tactical nuclear ammunition in Europe. Those are primarily nuclear bombs. The nuclear ammunition is stored in six European countries, which are NATO members. “As many as 257 aircraft have been prepared for employing the nuclear ammunition. Not only American aircraft but also aircraft of the countries I've mentioned,” Vladimir Putin explained.
“Is there no base like that in Russia?” Aleksandr Lukashenko wondered.
“There are none in Russia,” Vladimir Putin responded.
Vladimir Putin also responded to Aleksandr Lukashenko's proposal for a military tit for tat in response to USA actions: “We could. But you and I probably don't need it. But I fully agree with you that we simply have to take care of our security, the defense of the Union State of Belarus and Russia, and probably defense of other Collective Security Treaty Organization states.”
The Russian president continued: “This is why I suggest the following. The Belarusian army has quite a large number of Su-25 aircraft. They could be upgraded but, truth be told, the modernization has to happen at Russian aircraft factories (you and I will agree how it will be done) and the pilots have to undergo the relevant training. That's firstly.”
“And secondly. As you and I have agreed, you've raised the issue, our decision has been made: we will hand over a number of tactical missile systems Iskander-M to Belarus within the next few months. They can fire ballistic and cruise missiles with conventional and nuclear warheads,” Vladimir Putin added. He suggested instructing the defense ministers and the chiefs of the general staffs of Belarus and Russia to work out all the relevant details.
“Yes. I absolutely agree,” Aleksandr Lukashenko responded.
