Aliaksandr Lukashenka said Belarus does not intend to become involved in the war with Ukraine unless aggression is committed against it. Speaking after observing a nuclear weapons deployment exercise, he commented on statements by Volodymyr Zelenskyy about Belarus potentially being drawn into the war, BelTA reported.
“It will be drawn in only in one case — if aggression is committed against our territory. And then it will not be a matter of being drawn in (as you heard from the President of Russia) — together we will defend our Fatherland from Brest to Vladivostok, where the two states are located.”, Lukashenka said.
According to him, there is neither a civilian nor a military necessity to become involved in the war in Ukraine.
“Therefore, if we are drawn into the war, including if it is against Ukraine, it will happen only in one case — if they commit aggression against us. We are not going to become involved in the war in Ukraine. There is no need for this. Neither civilian nor military.”, he said.
Lukashenka also proposed meeting with Zelenskyy “at any location” in Ukraine or Belarus.
“If he wants to talk about something, seek advice or anything else, please, we are open to this. At any location — in Ukraine, in Belarus — I am ready to meet with him and discuss issues of Belarusian-Ukrainian relations. And perhaps talk about prospects. For some reason we have things to discuss with Americans, Germans, Poles, Lithuanians and Latvians, but nothing to discuss with Ukraine…”, he said.
Lukashenka said he was satisfied with the nuclear forces exercise.
“The organisational part passed without any disruptions. Reasonably, competently, in an organised manner. Everything went well organisationally. As for the results, the accuracy of the strikes and so on, our Iskanders hit dead on target. This shows that our personnel mastered these advanced systems very quickly and know how to operate them.”, he said.
“I am satisfied with these exercises. This is only the tip of the iceberg. Before that, very serious preparatory measures took place, which our servicemen know how to carry out and organise.”, he added.
According to him, as early as last winter they agreed with Vladimir Putin that they would take part in nuclear forces exercises approximately at the end of May. This concerned both weapons deployed in Belarus and Russia’s nuclear triad.
“This was a long-planned event. We did not deviate from the schedule by a single day. And the President of Russia, despite returning from China late in the evening or at night, took part in these exercises because that was our agreement.”, Lukashenka claimed.
According to him, “thousands” of people and a large amount of equipment were involved in the exercise.
He said issues related to the army and ensuring security are on his desk every day.
“If we talk less about the army now than about the sowing campaign, that does not mean we are not dealing with it. Every day, at least for me, this topic is on the table. And I understand that the economy and security are the top priorities today. It will remain so. Therefore, live calmly and do not worry.”, Lukashenka said.
“God forbid something happens — you have already seen the nuclear exercise. Nobody here will hesitate. As soon as we are attacked, as soon as aggression is committed, there will immediately be a response with all types of weapons. Otherwise, why would we keep them? That is unequivocal. And this is very important for us. We will act in this direction without threatening anyone. Do not touch us — and we certainly do not intend to touch you.”, he warned.
Commenting on the reaction to the nuclear exercises, Lukashenka described it as “understandable but unnecessary.”
“Every quarter we conduct similar exercises covering individual elements. So there is no need to become agitated. Perhaps people are concerned that presidents are taking part in these exercises. If you want, this is a signal that we have the most modern weapons and know how to use them. And in order to use them perfectly, we improve ourselves and conduct these exercises. Everyone conducts such exercises, including nuclear powers that possess nuclear weapons. Otherwise, what is the point of these weapons if you do not know how to use them? And to know how, you need training.”, he said.
“We are preparing for war. If this war does not happen — thank God. But just in case, we are preparing fully. We are not going to fight anyone if nobody touches us. Quietly, calmly, a beautiful green country — we are ready to continue living this way.”, Lukashenka said.
“We are not threatening anyone, under no circumstances. But if, God forbid, something happens — we will not stand on ceremony.”, he added.
