Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
He specifically warned Ukraine and four European countries against trying anything.
Belarus’ leader has delivered a fresh warning to neighboring countries as military activity in the region draws scrutiny.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko cautioned Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine against any hostile action toward his country, according to an interview with RT cited by the Belarusian news agency BELTA.
“My task is to warn my neighbors: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and, to some extent, Ukraine. God forbid they commit aggression against Belarus. We don’t want war; we don’t intend to fight them,” he said.
He rejected the idea that Belarus could initiate attacks on NATO members such as Poland or Lithuania, saying such a scenario would only arise if Belarus were drawn into a conflict.
Rising tensions
His remarks come amid growing concern over Belarus’s role in the wider war in Ukraine.
Officials in Kyiv, meanwhile, say they are closely monitoring developments along their northern border.
But according to Lukashenko, there is no need to keep an eye on what is happening in Belarus.
“We do not intend to do this unless we are drawn into this war and forced to respond. We don’t want that,” Lukashenko said.
Nukes not on the table – initially
He added that Belarus would defend itself if attacked but downplayed the likelihood of immediate nuclear escalation.
“This doesn’t mean that if a confrontation breaks out tomorrow, we will strike with nuclear weapons… We have sufficient other weapons to respond.”
Lukashenko also pointed to defense agreements with Moscow, suggesting Russia would intervene if Belarus faced an existential threat. “It will not go unanswered. We will use everything we have.”
Earlier remarks from Lukashenko indicated Minsk is preparing for possible conflict without actively seeking it, as part of ongoing military readiness measures.
Ukraine concerns
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia may be attempting to involve Belarus more directly in the war, citing increased military activity on its territory.
The Kyiv Post reports that Ukrainian officials say intelligence points to infrastructure work near the border and the repositioning of forces, possibly aimed at stretching Ukraine’s defenses.
Zelensky said Kyiv had warned Belarus through official channels that Ukraine is prepared to defend itself.
At the same time, Belarus has authorized a new call-up of reserve officers, a move state media described as part of routine planning. Similar exercises have taken place annually since 2022.
Andriy Kovalenko, a Ukrainian official, said Belarus could be playing a role in tying down Ukrainian troops ahead of a potential new Russian campaign.
Sources: BELTA, RT, Reuters, Ukrainian government statements, The Kyiv Post
