I am almost certain that Putin has discussed it with the Chinese leader. First, it is a signal to the West that Belarus is an autocratic territory and is "subordinate" to Russia. Any attempts at democratic movements in Belarus could lead to nuclear destabilization - "don't touch Belarus, we will defend our territory at any cost" is the meaning of this step.
Secondly, tactical nuclear weapons have always been seen by the Kremlin as a "response" to NATO's conventional capabilities, and it is now clear that they are many times greater than Russia's. Russia actually recognizes this and says it relies on a nuclear response.
“Tactical nuclear weapons have always been viewed by the Kremlin as a "response" to NATO's conventional capabilities, and it is now clear that they are many times larger than Russia's”
And, thirdly, Russia wants to keep us under constant nuclear pressure and make deterring it more difficult for us. Additional sanctions would be the right but fundamentally insufficient response. NATO needs a new concept of deterring Russia, and it needs the courage to declare it at the NATO Summit in Vilnius. And to make us - Ukraine - part of this strategy.
About the author. Pavlo Klimkin, diplomat, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
The editorial board does not always share the views expressed by the blog authors.