Photo courtesy of the Belarusian Defense Ministry's news agency Vayar
MINSK, 10 June (BelTA) – In line with the decision made by the presidents of Belarus and Russia and the agreements reached by the defense ministries units of Belarus’ Armed Forces are taking part in the second stage of the military exercise with non-strategic nuclear forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the press service of the Belarusian Defense Ministry told BelTA.
Belarusian Defense Minister, Lieutenant-General Viktor Khrenin noted: “The modern reality indicates that the leadership of Western countries pursues an uncompromising aggressive policy in the field of military activities and demonstrates zero readiness for a constructive dialogue. Without a doubt it only inflates tensions in the region.”
After failed attempts to get Belarus involved in the epidemic of color revolutions, choke the country with economic sanctions a number of particularly hot heads in the West contemplate using military force against the country.
“Representatives of certain countries make statements that permit Ukraine to use their weapons to carry out strikes against targets in the Russian Federation. In a feat of militaristic fervor the Lithuanian minister of foreign affairs went as far as actually calling for strikes against Russian military facilities located in the territory of our country,” the Belarusian defense minister stressed.
Belarus tracks and analyzes all these aggressive attacks and takes persistent steps to enhance its defensive potential.
“Our participation in the second stage of the Russian army exercise meant to practice the application of non-strategic nuclear weapons confirms that. Today we act proactively. We work routinely to increase readiness to use so-called retaliatory weapons. As never before we are resolute to respond to any threats to our country and the Union State of Belarus and Russia,” Viktor Khrenin said.
Apart from that, the organization of such events also offers an excellent opportunity to evaluate the preparedness of the Armed Forces to ensure military security and defend the Republic of Belarus with arms in practice.
“Once again I emphasize that the steps relating to the participation of our forces and assets in the exercise meant to practice preparations to use non-strategic nuclear weapons are being taken in the interests of ensuring our own security and are scheduled ones,” the defense minister explained.
Belarus has no intention of creating any tensions in matters concerning regional security.
“We don’t project corresponding military threats onto third countries or someone else. We are a peaceful state. We don’t threaten anyone and do not seek confrontation with anyone. But we will keep gunpowder dry,” Viktor Khrenin concluded.
