Lithuanian, Polish presidents voice concern about Belarus’ dependence on Russia

July 6, BPN. Presidents Gitanas Nausėda of Lithuania and Andrzej Duda of Poland have accused Minsk of supporting Russia’s assault on Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity, saying that the deployment of Russian nuclear weapons to Belarus increases the risk of escalation.

In a joint statement released after their meeting in Vilnius yesterday, the presidents expressed concern about Belarus’ increased dependence on its eastern neighbor as a challenge to regional security.

The presidents called on Minsk to drop its support for Russia and stop reprisals against civil society and the Polish and Lithuanian minorities.

They also called on the international community to take measures on the “unsafe” nuclear power plant in Belarus’ Hrodna region.

A significant part of the Russian nuclear arsenal intended for Belarus is already here, Alaksandr Łukašenka said at an epaulet ceremony last week.