Events
Lukashenko details plans to reinforce Belarus’ western, southern borders
MINSK, 1 March (BelTA) – It is necessary to reinforce protection of the country’s western and southern borders. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the relevant statement at a conference with members of the Security Council and top officials of the Council of Ministers on 1 March, BelTA has learned.
Aleksandr Lukashenko pointed out he had given instructions to reinforce defense of the state border in the southern direction. “We help and cover our borders in this direction but we don’t use Russian personnel but helicopters and several aircraft in Baranovichi, Gomel, and Luninets. They will stay here until I tell the Russian president I don’t need them anymore, until I deploy another five battalion tactical groups in order to cover this direction,” he said.
“This is why there is no need to yell and shout that we will enter Ukraine from Vitebsk or from somewhere else. It is not our job,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.
The president noted that according to the latest reports Poland and Lithuania are moving additional weapons and personnel to the border. This is why the need to cover the western direction arose. “Do you remember me saying we will not allow Russians to be shot in the back? I meant this,” he explained.
There are border guard stations and mobile forces on the Belarusian side of the border. Police and individual army units may be deployed if necessary but it is not enough, Aleksandr Lukashenko believes. “I’ve decided to close the border. And prevent an invasion into Belarus’ territory from the side of NATO forces by any means. And [prevent] even the smallest operations on our territory from their side,” he stressed.
Close attention should be paid to the prevention of sabotage. This is why the president gave instructions to heads of the oblast administrations near the border. He gave an example: “[Grodno Oblast Governor Vladimir] Karanik will be focused on the referendum while several groups break in, carry out acts of terrorism to stir up the population and what’s next? This is why put on the military uniform and work with the military aide [President’s Aide – Inspector for Grodno Oblast Yuri Karayev has considerable experience of law enforcement work]. And together with [Brest Oblast Governor Yuri] Shuleiko there is one more military person there [Inspector for Brest Oblast Valery Vakulchik]. Stay focused.”
The president also pointed out that additional military hardware is necessary. Air defense missile systems such as S-300PS, Tor-M2, and Pantsir-S are deployed in Belarus. The Belarusian nuclear power plant is protected along with other sites. However, it is necessary to reinforce the western border taking into account the evolving situation. Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “It turns out we don’t have enough military hardware. We have enough personnel. I’ve contacted Putin to acquire an S-400 air defense missile system in addition to the S-400 system deployed in Gomel Oblast. It will be deployed slightly to the west of Minsk in order to cover not only Minsk.”
According to the president, the S-400 Triumf air defense missile system is a very good weapon. “We look forward to deliveries here. As well as deliveries of other hardware we need to cover [the western direction]. It is our future participation in this operation, which is what we are doing now, too,” he clarified.
Aleksandr Lukashenko reiterated that no Belarusian army unit had been moved from a permanent base. “They stand ready. All are ready. If mobilization is necessary, we’ve verified the lists and within 2-3 days we will mobilize all the units we need mobilized,” he said.
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