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Lukashenko describes security guarantees treaty, nuclear weapons as ‘purely defensive step’

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MINSK, 28 October (BelTA) – The measures envisioned in the Union State treaty on security guarantees between Belarus and Russia are purely defensive, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at the 3rd Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security on 28 October, BelTA has learned.

"The treaty on security guarantees within the framework of the Union State of Belarus and Russia signed last year provides for the use of all types of weapons, including nuclear ones. For defense! I reiterate: this step is purely defensive in nature and has been taken in strict compliance with international law and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons,” the Belarusian leader stated.

According to the president, when reliable treaty-based foundations for security disappear and confidence-building measures fail, the role of instruments, including nuclear deterrence, becomes more prominent. “After all, you cannot ensure your  own security if its legal and political guarantees have been trampled. If neighboring countries are striving to build up their military potential to such an extent that it vastly surpasses your own. And they are not shy in using aggressive rhetoric,” Aleksandr Lukashenko noted.

When asked why these countries are acting this way, the president replied: “I have only one answer: unfortunately, it is to make society increasingly accustomed to the idea of war.”

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