Milan, 21 May (LaPresse) – ‘I have already emphasised this and I reiterate it: the use of nuclear weapons is an extreme and exceptional measure to ensure the national security of our states.’ This was stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking during joint nuclear exercises between Russian and Belarusian forces, whilst connecting remotely with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. ‘At the same time, given the growing tensions in the world and the emergence of new threats and risks, our nuclear triad, as in the past, must serve as a reliable guarantor of the sovereignty of the Russia-Belarus Union, ensure the resolution of strategic deterrence issues, and maintain nuclear parity and the global balance of power,’ Putin added, according to reports from Russian news agencies. Putin explained that the joint exercise will cover a wide range of tasks: “First and foremost, the actions of officials in managing and coordinating the use of nuclear weapons, including those deployed on the territory of the Republic of Belarus” and “today we will also carry out practical launches of ballistic and cruise missiles,” he added.
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