Ukrainian intelligence monitors possible deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus together with partners

This was reported by the representative of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) Andriy Cherniak.

"We control the situation on the territory of Belarus, in particular where Russian units are located. We are also monitoring the situation inside Russia," Cherniak said.

The representative of the Ukrainian intelligence emphasizes that controlling the deployment of nuclear weapons is a priority task for both Ukrainian special services and the international community.

"Total control. So far, we see an information campaign at the level of statements and words, nothing more," Cherniak added.

The DIU also believes that Russia's statements about the deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus are another case of blackmail.

• On March 25, Vladimir Putin said that a storage facility for Russian tactical nuclear weapons would be completed in Belarus by July 1.

• NSDC Secretary Oleksiy Danilov said that the placement of Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus will make Putin more unpopular in Belarus. Mykhailo Podolyak noted that this step proves that Putin is afraid of losing the war.

• The German Foreign Ministry criticized Russia's placement of nuclear weapons in Belarus and called it "an intimidation attempt."

• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine reacted to Russia's intentions to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus and demanded to convene the UN Security Council.

• In turn, the head of diplomacy of the European Union, Josep Borrell, said that if the Russian Federation deploys nuclear weapons in Belarus, the EU will introduce new sanctions.

•  On March 27, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that Beijing does not approve of Russia's intention to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.

• On March 29, US President Joe Biden said he was concerned about Vladimir Putin's decision to deploy nuclear weapons in Belarus. 

• By deciding to deploy nuclear weapons in Belarus, Russian leader Vladimir Putin undermined the authority of Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Bloomberg reports.

• The Institute for the Study of War reported that Putin announced the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus in order to intimidate the West and reduce the effectiveness of Ukraine's counteroffensive.