Lukashenko warns military retaliation if Poland downs Russian objects in Belarusian airspace
Photo: Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko (Getty Images)
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko warned he would "fight with everything we've got" if Poland shoots down Russian aircraft or other Russian objects, reports the Belarusian Telegram channel.
A pro-Kremlin journalist asked Lukashenko how he felt about NATO discussing the possibility of shooting down Russian aircraft. His answer suggested he doubts such a scenario is likely.
"Do they plan to shoot down aircraft, planes, helicopters, and so on on our territory? Take the Białowieża Forest — I fly there often. It's right on the border with Poland. Are they going to shoot down the president's helicopter or some military escort helicopter? A response would come instantly," Lukashenko said.
He added that NATO is nervous and is "scaring us" with talk of attacking an alliance country, which he said means they will "defend themselves" and might almost "attack us."
Speaking about Poland, Lukashenko said Poles can say whatever they want, but the Polish people are not foolish and will not let their government "run wild." Still, he threatened war "with everything we've got."
"(I have -ed.) hope and faith in the Polish people. They will not let (the authorities -ed.) unleash their ambitions. If they say they will shoot, let them try — let them shoot. Or let them shoot something Russian over Kaliningrad. Then we would... have to fight with everything we've got... Do we need that? No," the self-proclaimed President said.
He said loud statements are needed in Poland today to "quiet" parts of society, but he added that such actions are wrong.
"They should calm down, cooperate, and be friends. And help, especially those who live on the other side of the border — help them with manufacturing, business, and agriculture. People should be friends. That is our goal," Lukashenko said.
He also claimed Belarus warned Poland when drones were flying toward Polish territory and that Minsk even shot some down.
"So will our planes and helicopters be shot down for that, or Russian ones? I think that is an ill-considered, stupid statement. Neighbors don't act that way," he concluded.
A week earlier, Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk said objects that pose a threat and enter Polish territory will be shot down without discussion.
"We will take the decision to shoot down flying objects when they violate our territory and fly over Poland - there is absolutely no discussion about that," Tusk said.
