President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has answered the question whether he is ready to press the "red button" in an interview with the Rossiya TV channel, BELTA reports.
"A direct question, which is very popular in the West: are you ready to press the 'red button'?" - journalist Yevgeny Popov asked.
"Look, first of all, I've heard discussion of these issues. I'm not talking about nuclear weapons anymore, but you're the one who asked me. As Putin says, 'I'm not talking - you're the one who asked.' Regarding nuclear weapons: listen, the "red buttons" have already been pushed all around. The "red buttons" have already been pressed on the perimeter of Belarus and Russia. The only thing left is to press the "red button" itself. Therefore, it's probably morally uncomfortable for Putin and me to even talk about it when making such decisions," said the President.
"Secondly, when tactical nuclear weapons appeared here, I told them straightforwardly: "We are not going to use any weapons until you step on our state border. It's the border of our Union State," said the Belarusian leader.
Alexander Lukashenko reminded that Russia, according to the existing agreements, in case of aggression against Belarus, will bring its units into the country to provide military support.
"Russia, according to our agreement, brings its units into Belarus. We take the first blow, and further on Russia backs us up in reserve. This is a common war of Belarus and Russia against these beasts. And what, do we have to wait until they trample our country, as it was with the Soviet Union? No! That is why we will respond instantly and adequately," the President said.
