Lukashenko hints at possible ground operation: What his remarks could mean
Photo: Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko (Getty Images)
Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko said the country’s army must be modernized with advanced weapons because effective defense is impossible without them, according to BelTA and a statement by Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation.
According to Lukashenko, the Belarusian authorities plan to assess the army’s level of technical equipment.
"Without equipping the troops with modern weapons, it is impossible to fulfill defense tasks. We must have weapons that we can use and know how to operate," he said.
The Belarusian leader also noted that the country’s military must take into account the characteristics of its own territory as a potential theater of war.
He added that modern wars cannot be won solely through airstrikes and missile attacks, citing conflicts in the Middle East as an example.
"Recent conflicts prove this. Let’s take the armed confrontation involving Iran, Israel, and the United States — what did it show? They dropped bombs and launched missiles... and did anyone win? No. You can’t do without a ground operation," Lukashenko said.
Manipulation online
Following the Belarusian leader’s remarks, claims appeared online suggesting he was preparing a ground operation. Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation said those claims were manipulative and false.
“Lukashenko is not preparing any ground operation. No such statement was made, and Belarus currently does not have forces capable of carrying out a ground operation. Everything Belarus is doing now is imitating intense activity, including information campaigns," Kovalenko stressed.
He added that any aggressive actions would have serious consequences for Belarus. Kovalenko noted that Ukraine is monitoring the situation and is prepared for any scenario.
Recently, Lukashenko also said during a government meeting that Belarus must be ready for full-scale combat operations. He signed a decree calling reserve officers into the Belarusian army and border service.
Earlier this month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said "specific" activity had been observed on the border between Ukraine and Belarus. According to him, Ukraine is monitoring the situation and is ready to respond if necessary.
