Dictator threatens the West with nuclear weapons and "World War III"
Belarus - Alexander Lukashenko (70), the ruler of Belarus, has accused NATO of planning an attack on his country and threatened to use nuclear weapons.
"An attack on Belarus means the Third World War", said the 70-year-old during an appearance in front of students in the capital Minsk, according to the state news agency Belta.
Both Belarus and its ally Russia would use nuclear weapons in this case. In this context, Lukashenko thanked Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin (71) for the recent change to Russia's nuclear doctrine.
During his speech, Lukashenko claimed that NATO had concrete plans for an attack. "Americans and Poles have already positioned themselves along the border, especially the Polish one. We know that the Polish leadership is already rubbing its hands together," he said. They are prepared for the eventuality and will react immediately.
As NATO could respond to the use of nuclear weapons with nuclear strikes of its own, Russia would deploy its entire arsenal. The West is not prepared for such an escalation, Lukashenko explained.
Lukashenko has had the use of nuclear weapons included in military doctrine
Tactical nuclear weapons from Russia have been stationed on Belarusian territory since the end of 2023. Belarus also received Russian Iskander missiles, which can be equipped with nuclear weapons. Su-25 fighter jets have also been converted into carrier weapons.
While Moscow claims command over the nuclear weapons stationed in Belarus, Lukashenko has already had the use of nuclear weapons included in his country's military doctrine.
Two days ago, Putin declared that Russia had adapted its military doctrine to the international security situation. Russia's list of military threats against which nuclear weapons can be used as a deterrent has been expanded, said the 71-year-old.
The change is seen as a reaction to the debate surrounding the release of far-reaching weapons to Ukraine in its defense against Russia's war of aggression.