Any attack on Russia to be considered attack on Belarus – military official

January 22, Pozirk. Minsk will “be forced to use military force” if drawn into “interstate and inter-coalition” armed conflicts, Col. Arciom Butoryn of the General Staff said in an interview broadcast by STV on January 21, citing a draft military doctrine.

An attack on any allied state will be considered an attack on Belarus, he stressed, referring to the Union State of Belarus and Russia.

The doctrine will define the foundations of Belarus’ participation in peacekeeping activities within the United Nations and Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization, the official noted.

Butoryn described deployment of Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus as a “forced measure . . .  of strategic deterrence aimed at preventing a conflict,” noting that the doctrine does not outline procedures for the use of nuclear weapons.

The Belarusian Security Council discussed the draft military doctrine on January 16. It describes Belarus as “peaceful” country, yet threatens retaliation for interference in its internal affairs, threats of military force or aggression.

The doctrine and the National Security Concept adopted about a year ago still need the approval of the All-Belarusian People’s Assembly.

In February 2022, Russia started a full-scale war against Ukraine in which the Belarusian authorities supported the Kremlin. Minsk allowed the Russian army to attack Ukraine from Belarus.