Putin and Lukashenko Reach Deal to Station Tactical Nuclear Weapons in Belarus, Raising Tensions with the US and EU

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a deal with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. Putin made the announcement Saturday on state television, saying the move would not violate nuclear nonproliferation agreements.

The agreement will see Russia construct a special storage facility for tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus by the beginning of July. Putin said Lukashenko had long raised the issue of stationing tactical nuclear weapons in the country, which borders Poland.

The move comes as tensions between Russia and the United States have been escalating in recent months. The United States has stationed nuclear weapons on the territory of European allies, and Russia has accused the U.S. of attempting to destabilize the region.

Russia has long sought to maintain its influence in the region and has been accused of attempting to expand its sphere of influence. The stationing of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus is likely to further raise tensions between Russia and the United States.

The move is also likely to be met with opposition from the European Union, which has sought to maintain a nuclear-free zone in the region. The EU has called on Russia to adhere to its international commitments and to refrain from any actions that could destabilize the region.