Putin confirmed that Russia had handed over to Belarus the Iskander ballistic missile system capable of carrying tactical nuclear weapons.

(Reuters file photo)

[Compilation of Chen Chengliang/Comprehensive Report] Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on the 25th that Russia will deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.

It would be the first time Moscow has deployed nuclear weapons abroad since the mid-1990s.

The reason for this step, according to Putin, is the UK's proposed supply of "depleted uranium bombs" to Ukraine.

"Interfax" (Interfax) reported that Putin revealed that Russia has assisted Belarus in modifying 10 military aircraft so that they can carry tactical nuclear weapons and will be able to carry such ammunition "Iskander" (Iskander) ballistic missile system Handed over to Minsk.

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Putin said that the training of personnel will begin on April 3, and the construction of a special storage facility for tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus will be completed by July 1.

He stressed that the move would not violate nuclear nonproliferation agreements and compared it to the deployment of U.S. weapons in Europe.

Putin added that Belarusian President Lukashenko long ago demanded the deployment of Russian nuclear weapons on the country's territory, though Moscow would not hand over control of their weapons to Minsk.

Putin said Russia deployed tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus "because the British deputy defense secretary said they would supply Ukraine with depleted uranium ammunition." He threatened that Moscow would also deploy depleted uranium ammunition in Ukraine if it obtained it from Western countries. Same ammunition.

"It is no exaggeration to say that we have hundreds of thousands of these shells, but we have not used them," Putin said in an interview with Russian television, adding that the weapons "could be classified as harmful to human beings... The most harmful and dangerous weapon for the environment.”

Britain confirmed on the 20th that the munitions it will provide to Ukraine contain depleted uranium (depleted uranium, also known as decayed uranium).

The reason why this heavy metal is used to make weapons is mainly because of its high density, which can penetrate tanks and armor more easily.

Among them, the Challenger 2 (Challenger 2) main combat vehicle supported by the United Kingdom to the Ukrainian Army uses depleted uranium armor-piercing bombs as its main weapon.

In military terms, the use and purpose of nuclear weapons can be simply divided into "tactical nuclear weapon" and "strategic nuclear weapon".

The so-called tactical nuclear weapons, or non-strategic nuclear weapons, are generally less explosive and are usually used on the battlefield to target enemy bases, airports, ports or large troop vehicle assemblies with precision.

Its delivery methods include traditional gravity bombs, spirit bombs, cruise missiles, short and medium range missiles, and even howitzers or torpedoes.

At the same time, tactical nuclear weapons can also adjust their explosive power (variable nuclear equivalent) according to the characteristics of the target and tactical needs, such as "neutron bombs" that strengthen radiation and electromagnetic waves and reduce the destructive power of yellow gunpowder.

The United Kingdom intends to supply depleted uranium bombs to Ukraine, and Putin threatened to retaliate if it comes true.

(Associated Press)