“We practically have a common army”: Lukashenko makes an oath of loyalty to Putin – and raises allegations against Ukraine
Created: 07/05/2022 05:07
By: Linus Prien
Belarus has not yet intervened militarily in the war in Ukraine.
However, Alexander Lukashenko again emphasizes his closeness to Russia – Selenskyj is already warning.
Minsk - A few weeks ago, the Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko still ruled out military intervention in the escalating Ukraine war.
Since the beginning of the war in the neighboring country, Belarus has allowed Russian troops to be stationed on its territory, from where they coordinate their attacks.
However, Minsk's military intervention should not go beyond that.
Now the Belarusian head of state and close confidante of Russian President Vladimir Putin caused a stir with a statement.
Ukraine-News: Belarus and Russia have 'practically a common army'
Belarus and Russia are so closely connected "that we practically have a common army.
But you knew all that.
We will continue to be firmly united with fraternal Russia," Lukashenko said on Sunday (July 3) on Belarusian Independence Day, according to media reports.
In addition, military exercises in the Gomel region in the south of the country were announced a few weeks ago.
Military experts feared that Putin could pressure the Belarusian ruler to get more involved in the war.
Apart from the geographical location of Belarus, the reason for this could also be a lack of soldiers on the Russian side.
Ukraine-News: Zelenskyj warns the Belarusian population
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concern after Lukashenko's statements and warned people in the neighboring country: "Lukashenko's statement about a joint army with Russia is particularly dangerous for the Belarusian people," he was quoted as saying by the Reuters agency.
Mutual allegations of rocket attacks are causing further tension between the two countries: “We are being provoked.
Around three days ago, maybe more, an attempt was made to attack military targets in Belarus from Ukraine," Lukashenko said on Saturday, according to the state news agency
Belta
, as reported by Die
Welt
.
However, the alleged attacks were all repelled.
(LP)
