Russia Says Belarusian May Enter Ukraine War If….

MOSCOW – An official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Russia said on Friday that Belarus can get into conflict in Ukraine if Kiev decides to attack Minsk or Moscow.

Russia used Belarus as a springboard to invade Ukraine in February 2022, and since October has been deploying troops in Belarus for joint military exercises.

The two countries have since agreed to intensify their military cooperation, raising fears that Moscow could use its close ally to launch a new attack on Ukraine from the north.

Also read: Ukraine Beware of Being Attacked by Russia from Belarusian Territory

In an interview with state media, Foreign Ministry official Aleksey Polishchuk said Russia’s joint exercises with Belarus were designed to prevent an escalation, but warned that Minsk could join the Ukraine conflict if he or Moscow were invaded.

“From a legal point of view, the use of military force by the Kiev regime or the invasion of Belarusian or Russian territory by the Ukrainian armed forces are sufficient grounds for a collective response,” Polishchuk told news agencies. TASS, Friday (13/1/2023).

He added, however, that it was up to the leaders of the two countries whether they would make that decision.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday that his country’s troops should be ready on its border with Belarus, but so far he has seen only “strong statements” coming from his neighbour.

“We understand that apart from strong statements, we don’t see anything strong there, however, we must be prepared both at the border and in the region,” he said.

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