Russian troops and weaponry has landed in Belarus, raising fears that Russia would utilise its ally’s territory to launch an attack on Ukraine from the north.
A train carrying Russian troops and equipment has arrived in Belarus amid concerns that Russia may use its ally’s territory to attack Ukraine from the north.
The Belarusian Defence Ministry has confirmed the arrival of the contingent and said the President of Belarus – Alexander Lukashenko had visited a military base where Russian troops are already stationed. During the meeting, Lukashenko discussed the two countries’ joint military drills with representatives from the Russian army. The representative said that Russian troops are ready to carry out tasks as intended.
The developments came after Belarus, which has backed Russia over its war in Ukraine, said that it will receive more weapons and equipment from its neighbour as the two continue to boost military cooperation.
The Belarusian Defence Ministry said the two countries are preparing for joint air force exercises. The goal is to create a joint force to strengthen the protection and defence of the Union State [of Russia and Belarus].
A Statement from Belarusian Defence Ministry read, “Personnel, weapons, military and special equipment of the armed forces of the Russian Federation will continue to arrive in the Republic of Belarus.”
Belarus has said that it will not join Russia’s war in Ukraine, but Russia has launched several attacks on Ukraine from Belarus. Russia had also deployed thousands of forces to Belarusian territory under the pretext of military drills before invading Ukraine. According to Ukraine, Russia continues to use Belarusian airspace for drone and missile attacks.
Lukashenko has blamed Western nations for the war, accusing them of seeking confrontation with Russia and provoking the ongoing war. He also said that Ukraine has the power to end the conflict by accepting Moscow’s demands.
For the record, the European Union (E.U.) does not recognize Lukashenko as the President of Belarus. The E.U. has sanctioned the embattled President of Belarus – Alexander Lukashenko along with 15 other officials over repression of the pro-democracy movement, following the Presidential polls of August 2020.
Lukashenko is accused of rigging the polls. However, Lukashenko has denied all allegations of vote-rigging. It is believed he sought help from Russia to stay in power. As per the results, over 80% votes were in favour of Lukashenko. This was followed by mass protests across the country where people demanded his immediate resignation.
Despite mass opposition, Lukashenko held an abrupt swearing-in ceremony at the Palace of Independence in the capital city of Minsk. A report looking into the election and subsequent crackdown, published by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) said human rights abuses were found to be massive and systematic and proven beyond doubt.
