MINSK, 20 February (BelTA) – Belarus does not want war, but it must be prepared for it both mentally and strategically, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a large meeting with the senior staff of the national security agencies in Minsk on 20 February, BelTA has learned.
“What is the rationale for Western European politicians to enlarge various coalitions and military and political alliances? Why would they go for these absolutely absurd illegal sanctions, large-scale military build-up, muscle flexing, including military activity near our borders? Why would they do this? Who is threatening them? Have we ever threatened anyone at any point in our history? All the bloodiest military campaigns came from west towards east and were pushed back, embarrassed or ashamed. Unfortunately, millions of people died in the process. And the reasons for it, both then and now, were far-fetched: either our faith was wrong, or our political system did not meet some standards, or someone’s rights were violated...” the Belarusian leader noted.
“We are aware of the real reasons for the interest in our lands. But this is not the point. We don’t need war, and we must be prepared for it both mentally and strategically. We need to acknowledge how serious the situation is. Let’s drop all illusions about the possibility of a diplomatic settlement of the global conflict. International law is also unable to relieve tensions,” the head of state emphasized.
According to him, the principles used by the collective West are simple to the point of disgrace: those who are not with them will be forced to toe the line: “They will not necessarily invent some pretext to do this. International organizations have completely lost their authority. Some of them are openly used as a bully pulpit to serve the interests of specific countries. And Belarus is not one of them.”
“Therefore, there are attempts to launch new regional initiatives abroad that will be controlled by the United States and the European Union,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko. “The plan is incredibly primitive. They should include ‘neutral’ Ukraine and Belarus in addition to Poland, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia. In line with this plan, Belarus will be ‘cut off’ from Russia. Of course, Minsk is viewed as a satellite of Poland. Does this remind you of anything?” Aleksandr Lukashenko asked.
“Today it is extremely important not only to realistically assess the situation and understand what is happening, but also to act promptly. And we must take preventive measures. We all, first of all people in uniform, simply must be prepared to repel any threats. Mistakes are unacceptable,” the Belarusian leader emphasized.
Addressing the attendees, the president said: “You know how we should interpret the name of the upcoming exercise of NATO and the U.S. armed forces, Steadfast Defender 2024. You know what the holding of this exercise on the territory of the Baltic countries, Germany and Poland means for us.”
“According to the data received, about 90,000 military personnel from 32 member states and partners of the alliance will stand on the doorstep of our country, practicing the strategy (quote) “to repel Russian aggression against one of its members,” Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked. “We are aware of how they are going to repel aggression. The intelligence services are keeping their finger on the pulse.”
