Łukašenka warns West, Ukraine over military conflict

June 17, BPN. Belarus would have to react to Poland’s desire to seize western Ukraine, Alaksandr Łukašenka said in Babrujsk on June 17, as quoted by Belta.

“We would have to react here, because we cannot allow the Poles to completely encircle us. It is a dangerous option. Like I said, the Ukrainians will eventually ask us and the Russians to help them maintain [territorial] integrity,” Łukašenka said.

He also warned the Ukrainian authorities against possible strikes at Russian cities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has asked the West for long-range weapons to hit Kursk, Rostov, Orel and Belgorod, he claimed. “But I once said publicly that in no case should this be done, because Russia would use next level weapons. And it would use it on Kyiv and those making these decisions,” he added.

In his opinion, the West seeks to drag Belarus into the Ukrainian conflict. “They are pushing us into this conflict in order to take care of both Russia and Belarus and build a front, a line from St. Petersburg to Rostov,” Łukašenka said.

But, he added, Belarus is not going to fight in Ukraine unless a “red line” is crossed.

“The main thing for me is not to get into this Ukrainian conflict up to the neck, but to make sure that it ends faster,” he said.

“We are not going anywhere until you cross the red line. As soon as you cross our border or target the Mozyr Oil Refinery (they had this a crazy idea), we will instantly retaliate,” he warned.