Lukashenko warns about possible use of nuclear weapons in case of military aggression against Belarus

MINSK. Aug 8 (Interfax) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has stated the readiness to use nuclear weapons in case of a military aggression against Belarus.

"Neither Putin, nor I, nor anyone else wants to use nuclear weapons. We are not suicidal, after all. However, your satellites, your friends and allies also need to understand this, and I have said so in public: if anyone crosses our border, we will give an instant response, using all the weapons at our disposal. This is not an intimidation, it's a mere warning," Lukashenko said in an interview with the Time magazine, an abstract of which was aired by the state-run First News Channel on Friday.

"Russia is strong enough to enhance us. We are preparing for war. I have been frank about it: we are preparing for war every day, every month, as we want to avoid it. We know what to do. We have learned the lessons of all recent wars," Lukashenko said.

"Our concept is based on our readiness to inflict unacceptable damage on Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, or whoever fights us. Unacceptable damage. I have just described one of the elements to you. So, they realize that we may not win this war, but we will beat them up well enough. Russia is helping us to the necessary extent, and will help us as an ally," Lukashenko said.

He also said he had signed an order regulating handling of nuclear weapons, Lukashenko said. "It is stored in the safe boxes of those who need it. We have a clear understanding and idea of what it is and how to do it. The targets are determined," he said.