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Putin underscores defense of Belarus as integral to Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine

"We are coordinating these efforts with the Belarusian leadership, specifically President Alexander Lukashenko," the Russian leader emphasized

MOSCOW, December 19. /TASS/. Moscow will take every measure to guarantee the security of Belarus, as its defense forms a key part of Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated during his annual press conference and question-and-answer session.

"There is another dimension linked to nuclear weapons control, and a fourth crucial point: we have declared that if similar threats are posed to Belarus, our ally and member of the Union State, then Moscow will treat them as threats against Russia," the president remarked when addressing a question about the updated nuclear doctrine.

"We will take all necessary steps to ensure Belarus's security. We are coordinating these efforts with the Belarusian leadership, specifically President Alexander Lukashenko. I believe this is a critical element of Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine," Putin emphasized.

When asked whether the West had grasped the implications of the nuclear doctrine's changes, the president responded that it was for the West to interpret. Putin noted that the doctrine addressed emerging military risks that could escalate into threats, such as the deployment of missile defense systems and other developments.

"We also emphasize increased accountability, given that non-nuclear states might participate in acts of aggression against Russia alongside those possessing nuclear weapons. If such nations create threats to our sovereignty and Russia’s existence, akin to what their allies are doing, we reserve the right to use nuclear weapons against them as well," the president asserted.