EU warns of "consequences" if Russia deploys nuclear weapons in Belarus

BRUSSELS, March 27 (KUNA) -- The European Union (EU), Monday, said the deployment of Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus would be a threat to European security and warned of consequences.
"If this will be followed up that will be further escalation and direct threat to European security," EU spokesperson for foreign affairs and foreign policy Peter Stano told a news conference here today.
"We haven't seen any confirmation yet from the Belarusian side of this being on the agenda or happening any time. But if it would happen of course there would be consequences," he warned.
"It would be an escalation and would be endangering of European security and it would not be left unanswered by EU member states," added Stano.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday announced that Moscow would deploy "tactical nuclear weapons" in Belarus, according to Russian media.
Putin said Russia would also position nuclear-armed Iskander hypersonic missiles, with a range of around 300 miles (482 kms), in Belarus. (end) nk.gta