Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko asserted on Thursday that his country would not be drawn into the war in Ukraine, while reaffirming that Minsk would defend Russia in the event of aggression.
According to the Belarusian state news agency BELTA, Alexander Lukashenko rejected accusations suggesting that Belarus could become directly involved in the Ukrainian conflict, which has lasted for more than four years.
The Belarusian leader, however, reiterated the close military alliance between Minsk and Moscow. "Russia and Belarus will defend themselves together" in the event of an attack, he declared, as the two countries are currently conducting major joint military exercises, including maneuvers related to nuclear capabilities.
Belarus has remained one of Russian President Vladimir Putin's main allies since the start of the war in Ukraine. Belarusian territory has notably served as a rear base for Russian military operations and hosts Russian troops and strategic equipment.
These statements come amid heightened regional tensions and growing concerns about a possible escalation of the conflict. Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly raised the risk of Belarus becoming more directly involved in the war.
According to BELTA, Alexander Lukashenko also said he was ready to meet with the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskysuggesting a possible diplomatic opening despite the extremely tense relations between Minsk and Kyiv.
Belarus and Russia have recently intensified their joint military exercises, including those involving nuclear deterrence scenarios, as tensions with NATO continue to escalate on Europe's eastern flank.
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