Belarus declares readiness for 'peacekeeping mission' in Ukraine
Illustrative photo: Belarus declares readiness for a "peacekeeping mission" in Ukraine (Getty Images)
Belarus claims it is ready to deploy its so-called "peacekeeping" forces to Ukraine if an "appropriate decision" is made, states Aleksey Skabey, head of the Department for International Military Cooperation and Peacekeeping Activities of the Belarusian Armed Forces’ Special Operations Forces Command, according to Radio Svoboda.
According to Skabey, the participation of Belarusian troops in international missions is primarily a matter of "raising the national flag" and demonstrating the country’s openness.
"As soon as we receive the appropriate decision, we will be ready to move to a particular region to carry out our tasks," he said.
At the same time, Skabey noted that Belarus’s participation in UN-led peacekeeping missions is currently suspended. He added that the possible deployment of a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine would depend on the consent of both parties to the conflict.
"It does not depend only on us. If the sides make such a decision, we are ready to provide assistance at their request," the Belarusian Defense Ministry representative added.
The issue of any peacekeeping mission in Ukraine is currently not being considered — the negotiation process between Kyiv and Moscow is effectively frozen, while intense fighting continues along the front line.
Belarus supports Russia’s war in Ukraine
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Belarus has openly supported the aggression against Ukraine by providing Moscow with military infrastructure, airfields, and logistical assistance.
The regime of Alexander Lukashenko has also been accused of involvement in the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children from the occupied territories.
In September this year, joint military exercises between Russia and Belarus were held on Belarusian territory for two weeks. Ukraine closely monitored the drills, not ruling out possible provocations from the neighboring country.
Recently, Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko confirmed that a Russian Oreshnik missile system will be put on combat duty in December.
He also warned that Belarus would "launch a strike" if the situation "develops unfavorably."
