President Putin strongly criticizes Western military support for Ukraine, saying, "The first tactical nuclear weapons have been delivered to Belarus.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that the first nuclear weapons have already been delivered to Belarusian territory regarding the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons in neighboring Belarus, with which Russia is an ally.

Russian President Vladimir Putin
The first nuclear weapons have been delivered to Belarus. This is only the first."

On April 16, at the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated in response to a question from the moderator that the first tactical nuclear weapon has already been delivered to Belarusian territory. The deployment process "will be completed by the end of the year," he said.

He also stated that "those who seek to defeat us strategically should not forget this," and strongly discouraged the West from continuing its military support for Ukraine.

However, he also stated that there is "no need" to use nuclear weapons in the invasion of Ukraine. He also asserted that there is "no chance" for the Ukrainian side to succeed, as they are inflicting heavy losses on the Ukrainian military, which is mounting a counteroffensive.

He also pointed out the "dangerous involvement" of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the provision of fighter jets to Ukraine, and warned that "we need to consider where and how to attack" aircraft used in the fight against Russia.

In his speech, Putin said he expects GDP=gross domestic product growth to be 1.5% to 2% positive this year and touted the economy's strength despite the sanctions.

As for the return of foreign companies that have withdrawn from the forum, he stated that he would not close the door, but the only foreign leaders who participated in the forum were from Algeria and the United Arab Emirates, and media from Japan, Europe, and the United States, which Russia considers "unfriendly countries," were excluded from coverage.

U.S. Secretary of State Blinken, in response to President Putin's remarks about Russia's delivery of tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus.

U.S. Secretary of State Blinken.
said, "We are not in a situation where the U.S. should adjust its nuclear posture, nor have we seen any indication that Russia is preparing to use nuclear weapons."

He added that he would continue to monitor the situation closely.

Secretary Blinken also pointed out that Belarus and Ukraine chose not to possess nuclear weapons when the Soviet Union collapsed, and criticized President Lukashenko for "irresponsibly handing over sovereignty to Russia against the will of the Belarusian people.