Russia's decision on nuclear weapons in Belarus directly threatens EU security - Borrell

This was stated by EU High Representative Josep Borrell in Brussels following a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"It’s more than one year ago that Putin start destroying Ukraine, and he seems determined to continue with his brutal bloodshed and destruction, and he still escalates further despite not achieving anything.  His newest nuclear gamble – with nuclear weapons moved to Belarus – constitutes a new escalation and poses a direct threat to European security," the EU top diplomat said.

He called the situation "ironic" when the Kremlin made this decision just a few days following the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Moscow, where, following a meeting, the parties called for the non-deployment of nuclear weapons beyond the borders of nuclear powers. A few days later, Russia placed tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.

"We have been discussing with Secretary Blinken about the role of China on supporting Russia’s blatant violations of the United Nations Charter.  There is a clear expectation from a permanent member of the Security Council to stand up in defense of international rules-based order.  And China has a moral duty to contribute to a fair peace. They cannot be siding with the aggressor. They cannot be militarily supporting the aggression," Borrell emphasized. 

Josep Borrell pointed out that French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be visiting China today. The EU High Representative himself intends to visit China next week.

As reported, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported at a selector meeting with the country's armed forces leadership that the Belarusian military is being equipped with Iskander-M systems that can carry nuclear weapons.