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NATO Condemns Putin's Decision to Station Tactical Nuclear Weapons in Belarus
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Image copyright: NATO
The Facts
NATO has slammed the weekend announcement from Vladamir Putin that the Russian president plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in neighboring Belarus. "Russia's nuclear rhetoric is dangerous and irresponsible," NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said. "NATO is vigilant and we are closely monitoring the situation. We have not seen any changes in Russia's nuclear posture that would lead us to adjust our own."
The comments were echoed by US administration officials who told Reuters: "We have not seen any reason to adjust our own strategic nuclear posture nor any indications Russia is preparing to use a nuclear weapon. We remain committed to the collective defense of the NATO alliance."
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The West must not give in to Putin's nuclear rhetoric. By ratcheting up fear, Putin is hoping we back off and let him have his way in Ukraine. However, doing that would only further embolden the Russian president. We must be firm and resolute in the face of this nuclear blackmail.
Pro-Russia narrative
Russia is simply following the lead of the US which for years has stationed nuclear weapons in the territories of its allies. Why should Russia not be inclined to do the same?
