Former US President

urged Americans to "pray" after Russian President

on March 25

announced that Russia will deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, writes Newsweek.

Trump, who wants to run for the presidency in 2024, commented on Putin's plan on the Truth Social social network, where he tried to blame the "situation" on the administration of the current US President

"This situation was caused by us - this is what happens when you have incompetent people running your government.

All I can say to you right now is: pray!” Trump wrote.

SEE ALSO: The US promised to hold Russia accountable for plans to deploy nuclear weapons in Belarus

Trump has been an outspoken critic of the foreign policy of the Biden administration, he has previously said that it could lead to nuclear war.

He has also touted his relationship with US adversaries such as Putin as a success of his administration.

In January, the former president warned that a package of weapons sent to Ukraine could force the Kremlin to launch nuclear attacks.

SEE ALSO: "After the introduction of nuclear weapons, a permanent Russian military base will appear in Belarus," - the opinion of a Russian military expert

The Russian leader's decision to deploy nuclear weapons in Belarus drew swift condemnation from critics and anti-nuclear supporters, who see Putin's move as a potential escalation of tensions.

This happened after the UK handed Ukraine armor-piercing projectiles with depleted uranium, which Russia falsely equated with weapons "with a nuclear component".

SEE ALSO: "After the introduction of nuclear weapons, a permanent Russian military base will appear in Belarus," - the opinion of a Russian military expert

Amid concerns that nuclear weapons in Belarus could lead to an escalation of the war in Ukraine, the State Department said it is monitoring the situation, but does not believe Russia will do so in the near future:

"We see no reason to adjust our own strategic nuclear posture, nor any signs that Russia is preparing to use nuclear weapons.

We remain committed to the collective defense of the NATO alliance," State Department spokespeople said in a statement to Newsweek on March 25.

SEE ALSO: Even more confrontation, even less security.

Belarus is turning into Putin's nuclear hostage