Lukashenko denies criticism of troop deployment near Ukraine

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Thursday that his country’s recent military maneuvers were not directed against Ukraine and rejected “conspiracy theories” about his country’s deployment of armed forces to the border.

Speaking at a military leaders’ conference that marked the end of surprise military inspections this month, Lukashenko also said he could not rule out “aggressions” against his country by anonymous “neighbours”.

“If you want peace, prepare for war,” added the Belarusian president, stating that the military moves were limited to the territory of Belarus and did not threaten any other country.

In recent weeks, Minsk has announced a surge in military activity, including readiness checks and a new deployment of forces in the country. The maneuvers have prompted hints from Ukrainian officials that Russia may be planning a new attack on Ukraine through Belarusian territory.

Lukashenko hosted his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in the capital, Minsk, on Monday.