Lukashenko highlights NATO threat, seeks missile support from Putin
During a meeting with Vladimir Putin, Alexander Lukashenko expressed concern about the situation on the border with Poland and Lithuania. "We believe it is a greater threat than the one coming from Ukraine," he said. He noted that he is particularly worried about Polish investments in the military.
During the meeting with Vladimir Putin, Alexander Lukashenko expressed concern about the situation on Belarus's western borders with Poland and Lithuania.
"We believe it is a greater threat than the one coming from Ukraine," he stated.
He pointed out that troops are deployed "15 kilometres, a stone's throw" from the border with Belarus. "Not only Poles and Lithuanians are stationed there, but NATO armed forces from other countries, including Germany, are gathering," he argued.
He stated that the situation is serious because Poland is spending large sums on the military. "This is very concerning to us and already poses a threat to our joint grouping of armed forces," Lukashenko said.
Lukashenko asks for missiles. Wants to choose targets
The leader also asked Vladimir Putin to deploy Oreshnik ballistic missiles on Belarusian territory. "This would calm some heads," he mentioned.
Vladimir Putin promised that these requests would be fulfilled. "The deployment of such systems is possible," he said. "It will be possible in the second half of next year," he added.
Lukashenko believes that if the Russians provide Oreshniks to Belarus, Minsk should determine the attack targets.
"We have certain places where we can position this weapon on the condition that the targets for it will be determined by the military-political leadership of Belarus," said Lukashenko.
