The European Union (EU) has strongly criticized the recent agreement between Russia and Belarus, denouncing the decision to transfer Russian nuclear warheads to Belarusian territory.

Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, voiced his concerns about the potential consequences of this move.

In a statement, Borrell stated: “The European Union condemns the agreement by Russia and Belarus to allow the deployment of Russian nuclear warheads on Belarusian territory. This is a step which will lead to further extremely dangerous escalation.”

Borrell emphasized that this decision contradicts Russia's previous commitments made in the Budapest Memorandum, which resulted in the elimination of nuclear weapons from Belarus.

He also highlighted the Joint Statement of the Leaders of the Five Nuclear-Weapon States, issued on January 3, 2022, which firmly asserts that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought.

“We call on Russia to abide by these commitments,” Borrell asserted, urging Russia to uphold its obligations under these international agreements.

Furthermore, Borrell accused the Belarusian regime of actively supporting Russia's illegal and unprovoked war against Ukraine.

He called on the Belarusian authorities to immediately cease their assistance to Russian aggression, reverse their decisions, and protect the sovereignty of Belarus.

“Any attempt to further escalate the situation will be met by a strong and coordinated reaction,” Borrell warned.

On Thursday, the defense ministers of Russia and Belarus signed documents allowing for the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons on Belarusian soil. Alexander Lukashenko, the self-proclaimed leader of Belarus, claimed that the transfer of Russian nuclear weapons to Belarus has already commenced. (ILKHA)