Russia/Belarus – Statements by Vladimir Putin (26 March 2023)

France condemns the Russian President’s announcement of an agreement between Russia and Belarus for the deployment of nuclear weapons there.

After Russia’s violation of the INF treaty, which led to its termination, and the announcement of Russia’s suspension of participation in the New Start treaty in February, this agreement is one more step in the erosion of the international arms control architecture and strategic stability in Europe.

France reaffirms the importance of upholding the statement of 3 January 2022, which was endorsed by Vladimir Putin and all the P5 Heads of State and Government, on the prevention of nuclear war and arms races. France calls on Russia to show the responsibility expected of a nuclear-weapon State and to go back on this destabilizing agreement.