President Alexander Lukashenko denies military exercise rumors

• Belarus and Ukraine are separated by a 674-mile border.
• In February, Russian soldiers invaded Ukraine from Belarus without Belarus’ help.
• “That’s it. No other intent, no conspiracy,” Lukashenko added.

President Alexander Lukashenko declared on Thursday that the recent movement of the Belarusian armed forces is not a part of a strategy to join Russia’s war in Ukraine.

“We have been having and are having exercises. Now they are more extensive because of the current situation and threats. Therefore, we are conducting exercises on our territory,” said Lukashenko, according to a statement published on his official website.

“That’s it. No other intent, no conspiracy,” he added.

A Russian delegation headed by Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Belarus earlier in December to meet with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Belarus has planned sudden military drills around the country.

This led to the notion that Putin would attempt to persuade Lukashenko to support him in the conflict with Ukraine. Belarus and Ukraine are separated by a 674-mile border.

Russian forces utilized Belarusian territory as a base during their invasion in February, but the nation’s military has not yet joined the fighting.

According to Lukashenko, recent troop movements were a reaction to the rising tensions.

“We cannot rule out that aggression may be deployed against our country,” he said. “At least, we see such a readiness on the part of our neighbors.”

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