Opinions & Interviews

Belarus' defense minister warns of risk of direct clash between nuclear states

Photo courtesy of the Defense Ministry

 MINSK, 26 June (BelTA) – The threat of nuclear states being drawn into direct confrontation has become quite real, Belarusian Defense Minister Lieutenant General Viktor Khrenin said at the SCO Defense Ministers' Meeting, BelTA reports citing the Defense Ministry.

“Some countries and their coalitions have opted for open militarization and building up their combat potential and are threatening to use it in their political interests. Such approaches and actions have already resulted in major military conflicts in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and other regions of the world. Their further escalation can lead to irreparable consequences on a global scale. The threat of nuclear states being drawn into direct confrontation has become quite real,” Viktor Khrenin said.

The defense minister went on saying that the Republic of Belarus views the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as a consolidating force that is built on the concept of creating a community with a shared future for humankind. “One of our unchanging priorities is cooperation to enhance regional security. We can do it in multiple ways: coordinate efforts at international platforms to address serious military and political challenges; hold events aimed at increasing the defense capability of member states; jointly counter long-standing and new threats, including information warfare, color revolutions, threats in cyberspace, extremism, terrorism and separatism in all their manifestations,” he added.

Viktor Khrenin proposed resuming the 'Peace Mission' exercise aimed at enhancing the military capabilities and defense cooperation among the participating nations. “As part of this exercise, it is advisable to continue holding meetings at the level of chiefs of general staff in order to explore new cooperation opportunities in the defense sector. The Republic of Belarus is ready to make a meaningful contribution to this work, as well as to consider and support any other constructive proposals,” the minister added. 

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