The Belarusian interior minister speaks of provocations by “certain neighboring countries” and thus justifies a so-called anti-terrorist operation. Makej doesn’t want to know anything about preparations for an attack on Ukraine – but at the same time brings a Third World War into play.
In view of the Ukraine war, the ex-Soviet republic of Belarus, which is allied with Russia, has put its armed forces on increased alert as part of an “anti-terrorist operation”, according to official information. “There was actually information that certain neighboring countries were planning provocations, including the occupation of individual areas of Belarus’ territory,” said Belarusian Interior Minister Vladimir Makey in an interview with the Kremlin-affiliated daily Isvestia in Astana “.
In this context, border controls would be tightened, among other things, he said. For weeks there has been speculation that Minsk might join the war alongside Moscow. The Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko has always denied such intentions, but at the same time has strengthened military cooperation with Russia. Among other things, he announced at the beginning of the week that a joint military unit would be set up.
At the beginning of the war, Russian units also attacked the Ukraine from Belarusian territory. According to Makej, the so-called anti-terrorist operation is not used to prepare for an attack on Ukraine. “Will that lead to tensions between Belarus and its neighbors? Let’s see what’s happening on our western and southern borders. When politicians behave so irresponsibly, it’s easy to slide into World War III,” he threatened at the same time.
