Belsat TV asked Belarusian political analyst Ales Lahvinets about motives, consequences and possible risks that emerged after Putin announced his intention to build up Russia’s nuclear arsenal.
There is nothing new in what Putin said. Six months ago he stated that Russia was about to add 50 intercontinental missiles to its arsenal, and at the moment he is talking about 40. Today’s policy of Russia is the demonstration of readiness to confront the alleged aggression of NATO and readiness to use military power to defend their interests.
Could it be the answer to the U.S. intention to have heavy weapons in the territory of NATO member states?
By the moment we have found ourselves in a certain spiral of confrontation which is not entirely comparable to the arms race in the days of the Cold War. Russia itself started it rolling by launching aggression against Ukraine. It is clear that at the request of Poland and the Baltic countries, the United States decided to put deliver arms and deploy up to 5,000 troops in the territory of these countries. Russia is using this fact as an excuse to further expand its military power. It is an exchange of messages saying that neither of the parties will concede.
Russia is not only to organizing more and more military exercises and building up nuclear power, it is also actively promoting it. Who is the main target of the campaign is and what is its main message?
The current actions of Russia are like a publicity campaign. Russia does not have enough money to resist NATO. The recent statements and declaration are for domestic usage, to show Putin’s power and invincibility, to prove that Russia is ready for further aggravation in order to protect their interests.
Is there a real threat of applying nuclear weapons?
It is highly unlikely that nuclear weapons will be used in the confrontation between Russia and the West.
How has NATO responded to such steps?
The NATO reaction to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine was the intensification of military cooperation, deployment of extra weapons and forces in the territory of Poland and the Baltic countries that are feeling threatened. It should be noted that the potential of NATO is much more than Russia’s. NATO might not have a strong political as the Allies’ interests are different and there is a certain reluctance to slide into a state of confrontation with Russia, but NATO is really alarmed by the policy Russia is running.
Aleh Razhkou
