Russian MP questions Belarus’ insufficient involvement in Russian war against Ukraine

June 7, BPN. Russia should seek more active participation of Belarus in its war on Ukraine, URA.RU reported citing Russian ruling party MP Konstantin Zatulin.

If direct involvement is not an option, Belarus should at least provide its territory for Russian troops as it did in early 2022 during the initial stages of the operation, he said, noting that such a need may arise in the future.

In February 2022, Russia started a full-scale war against Ukraine. Alaksandr Łukašenka admitted that Belarus participated in Russia’s war on Ukraine, but said it was “not killing anyone.”

Authorities in Minsk denied Belarusian army troops’ involvement in combat operations on the Russian side. However, Belarus allowed Russian troops and weapons to move freely through the country, use its airspace, refuel and store military equipment and attack Ukraine from its territory. 

A 20,000-strong grouping of Russian forces crossed into Ukraine from Belarus at the outset of the war, Łukašenka told journalists in July 2022, while Ukraine estimated their number at some 70,000 troops and 7,000 armored vehicles. Later they were forced to retreat from northern Ukraine.