The world has edged closer than ever to a nuclear disaster, but Moscow and Minsk consider tactical nuclear weapons only as a means of deterrence, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Thursday.
"One should keep one's powder dry, and that includes these deadly weapons as well. Those are weapons of deterrence. Everybody says that, but for us and for Russia, those are solely weapons of deterrence," Lukashenko told reporters in Moscow, adding that the world has "come closer to a nuclear disaster than ever before."
All weapons require maintenance and training to properly handle them, and the same goes for nuclear arms, the Belarusian president added.
Belarus and Russia announced tactical nuclear weapons drills due to the current escalation of tensions, Lukashenko also said, adding that it was his idea to synchronize the exercises.
The Belarusian leader also praised the Victory Day parade in Moscow, saying that Russia showed its power, organizing the event very thoughtfully and in tune with the times.