Putin gives promises on nukes, no sign of intent to use them - White House

As Russian president Vladimir Putin promises to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, the US does not see any Russian intent to use it, White House national security council spokesman John Kirby said on Wednesday.

According to Mr Kirby, the US currently sees no movement of nuclear weapons from Russia.

"And we have seen no indication that they are inching towards or nearing any preparations to use tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine," he was quoted by Ukrinform news agency as saying.

Moscow had been warned of "serious consequences" if weapons of mass destruction were used, the White House spokesman stressed, condemning Russia's rhetoric on nuclear weapons since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Earlier this month, Mr Putin said Russia plans to finish the construction of a special storage facility for tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus by July.

Belarus is one of Russia’s closest allies in Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Ukraine’s foreign ministry condemned the announcement as a "provocative step" and called for an extraordinary meeting of the UN Security Council.