US pushing Russia "toward using" nuclear weapons by arming Ukraine, Belarus leader says

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on October 6 that by arming Ukraine, the United States is pushing Russia toward using nuclear weapons.

“I am getting the impression – I say again that it is my opinion – that Americans are pushing Russians toward using the most terrifying weapon. They arm Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy and his army and provide long-range missiles. Even missiles able to fly for 300 km (186 miles),” Lukashenko said during his visit to a military facility in the Brest region, CNN reports.

Lukashenko added that if such a missile struck Russian territory, Moscow would have to respond.

According to him, the fanning of tensions between the countries could lead to a situation when Russia “will take out the red button and put it on the table.”

He added that Americans didn’t fear for their safety “because they are across the ocean.”

Lukashenko’s comments came after Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday it was possible to revoke the ratification of a treaty banning nuclear tests.

The day after Putin’s comments, Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said the State Duma Council “will definitely discuss the issue of revoking ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty” at their next meeting.