Russia confirmed on Monday that it would not change its plans to deploy "tactical" nuclear weapons in Belarus , despite the harsh Western criticism it had provoked.

"Of course, such reactions cannot have an impact on Russia's plans," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the press.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Saturday that he had obtained Minsk's approval to deploy "tactical" nuclear weapons in the neighboring country, which has been led by his closest ally Alexander Lukashenko since 1994.

Putin said that preparations will begin next month for the deployment of these weapons.

The announcement sparked strong criticism from Westerners, and NATO denounced "dangerous and irresponsible rhetoric" on the part of Russia, while the European Union promised Minsk new sanctions if the plan was implemented.

Ukraine, for its part, called on Sunday for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to address the "nuclear blackmail" it accused Russia of.

Belarus was not directly involved in the conflict in Ukraine, but it allowed Moscow to launch its offensive against Kiev from its territory last year, according to Ukrainian authorities.

Putin justified his decision on Saturday with London's intention to send depleted uranium munitions to Ukraine, according to recent statements by a British official.

Russian officials have repeatedly made veiled threats to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine in the event of a major escalation in the conflict.