Putin says Russia’s nuclear forces ‘always on alert’
President Vladimir Putin says Russia's strategic nuclear forces are "always on alert" to defend the nation against enemy threats.
"Russia will do everything to prevent a global clash, but at the same time we will not allow anyone to threaten us. Our strategic forces are always on alert," Putin told the annual Victory Day military parade at Red Square in central Moscow on Thursday.
Addressing a large audience gathered for the 79th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, Putin said Russia is now going through a "difficult, crucial period".
"The fate of the Motherland, its future depends on each of us," he said.
Putin characterized Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine as an existential battle against "neo-Nazis".
Russia often invites representatives from "friendly" countries to the event. This year, nine world leaders – the heads of Belarus, Cuba, Guinea-Bissau, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – attended the parade featuring columns of Russian troops and military equipment.
Putin also touched on joint nuclear drills between Russia and Belarus, saying they were “nothing unusual”.
“This time we invited our friends, allies, and the President of Belarus asked for this, to take part in one of the stages of this exercise. We do it regularly. This time it’s carried out in three stages. At the second stage, Belarusian colleagues will join our joint actions.”
Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said it is the third joint military exercise with Russia.
On Tuesday, Belarus launched drills involving missiles and warplanes capable of carrying tactical nuclear weapons, which Russia has deployed there amid tensions with the West over Ukraine.
Last year, Russia moved some of its tactical nuclear weapons into Belarus, which also borders Ukraine and NATO members Poland, Latvia and Lithuania.
Moscow says the tactical nuclear weapons deployed to Belarus remain under Russian military control.
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