Aiken Times

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC), Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission and Steve Cohen (D-TN), Ranking Member of the Helsinki Commission, introduced a resolution to respond to the Russian Federation delivering tactical nuclear weapons to the Republic of Belarus. This is the first time Russia has deployed nuclear warheads beyond its borders since the fall of the Soviet Union, and represents a serious threat to global security in the midst of the war in Ukraine.

Wilson and Cohen noted their resolution holds that any use of a tactical nuclear weapon by Russia, Belarus or their proxies, or the destruction of a nuclear facility that disperses radioactive contaminants into NATO territory would be viewed as an attack on NATO itself, requiring an Article V response.

 “The threat of use of a nuclear device or the detonation of mines at the site of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant is imminent. The best deterrent is a clarification that any use of tactical nuclear weapons or act of destruction of a nuclear facility that disperses radioactive materials into NATO territory will be viewed as an attack on NATO itself, which requires massive retaliation,” said Rep. Wilson.

“We must do all we can to deter Putin and his army from using nuclear weapons or engaging in plans to sabotage the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant which they occupy in Ukraine. The purpose of this resolution is to set clear, defined boundaries for Putin. It conveys that Russian use of nuclear weapons will be understood as an attack on our NATO allies and the U.S. will respond accordingly,” said Rep. Cohen.

The resolution:

• Agrees that the deployment of the Russian Federation’s tactical nuclear weapons within the Republic of Belarus is a threat to Ukraine and NATO member states;
• Views the use of any tactical nuclear weapon by the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus, or their proxies, or the destruction of a nuclear facility, dispersing radioactive contaminates into NATO territory causing significant harm to human life, as an attack on NATO requiring an immediate response, including the implementation of Article V of the North Atlantic Treaty; and
• Urges the current administration to consult with NATO leaders and other European partners to develop a comprehensive response to minimize the threat to civilians and coordinate a diplomatic and military response commensurate with the situation.

Companion legislation has also been introduced by U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).

The full bill text is available here.

Original source can be found here