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It was “nothing unusual,” Russian President Vladimir Putin, 70, said after announcing the transfer of Russian nuclear weapons to Belarus. Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko (68) had long asked him for nuclear weapons on his territory, according to the Kremlin chief.
Ulrich Schmid (57), professor of Russian culture and society at the University of St. Gallen, does not believe in this. He explains to Blick: “With this deployment, Lukashenko loses another part of his power. Putin, on the other hand, can expand his sphere of influence.”
“Especially a threat”
Schmid believes that the use of nuclear weapons is a message to Europe and the United States: “Putin wants to remind the West that Russia is a nuclear power.” The Russian president may also want to level up with the US. For years, the Americans have stationed nuclear warheads in allied European countries.
Ulrich Schmid does not believe that the transfer of nuclear weapons to Belarus will have a major impact on the course of the war in Ukraine. “First of all, Putin uses nuclear weapons as a threat. With the deployment, the Russian president hopes that the West will reduce its arms shipments.”
In mid-March, Poland and Slovakia announced the delivery of Soviet fighter jets to Ukraine. Putin would now like to prevent other countries from following suit and also sending Western-made warplanes to the defenders.
How likely is escalation?
Schmid considers it very unlikely that Russia will actually use nuclear weapons. “Putin is also aware that this would cross a red line. Many Russian citizens have relatives in Ukraine. With the use of nuclear weapons, Putin would lose the support of his own people.”
According to Schmid, a nuclear escalation is also unrealistic for another reason: “In the past, Chinese President Xi Jinping has made it clear on several occasions that nuclear war would be a clear violation. Putin cannot afford to jeopardize relations with China.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (72) also openly opposes Putin’s behavior with regard to nuclear weapons. Last year, Modi canceled his annual meeting with the Russian president. The reason: Putin’s threat to use nuclear weapons in the war in Ukraine if necessary.
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
