Putin needs my permission to use nukes in Belarus, says Lukashenko

Alexander Lukashenko, the leader of Belarus—though unrecognized by the UK, EU, and US as the legitimate president—addressed several key issues during a recent interview with BBC. He discussed the role of Belarus in Russia’s war against Ukraine and the presence of Russian nuclear weapons on Belarusian soil.

Regarding the Russian troops who launched part of the 2022 invasion from Belarus, Lukashenko explained that they had been conducting military exercises in southern Belarus. 

"Putin started withdrawing these troops from where they were in southern Belarus, down a road, along the border with Ukraine," he said, asserting that he had no direct control over their movement. He further added, "It’s up to Putin how he withdraws his troops. Via Kyiv. Or he could have gone through Minsk."

On the issue of nuclear weapons, Lukashenko confirmed that Russian tactical nuclear weapons are stationed in Belarus but insisted that Putin would never use them without his approval. 

"Putin will never use the weapons stationed in Belarus without the Belarusian president’s consent," Lukashenko said firmly. When asked if he would authorize their use, he stated, "I’m completely ready, otherwise why have these weapons? But only if the boot of one [foreign] soldier steps into Belarus." He stressed that Belarus has no plans to attack anyone.