Kiev says Russia holding Belarus as 'nuclear hostage'
Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksiy Danilov (pictured) on Sunday commented on Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement that Moscow intends to place tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. Danilov claimed that the Kremlin is holding Minsk as a "nuclear hostage," implying that Russia's deployment of such weapons is a strategic move to exert control over Belarus.
Furthermore, Danilov noted that the move could lead to internal destabilization in the country and increase negative perceptions of Russia and Putin in Belarusian society.
"Putin's statement about placing tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus – a step towards internal destabilization of the country – maximizes the level of negative perception and public rejection of Russia and Putin in Belarusian society. The Kremlin took Belarus as a nuclear hostage," Danilov stated.