Lukashenko to Russian Ambassador: Do Not Drag Belarus into War

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has warned Russia's ambassador that Belarus must not be drawn into the war in Ukraine. The statement signals growing tensions in Minsk-Moscow relations over the ongoing conflict.

Aleksandr Lukashenko issued a public warning to Russia, ordering the Russian ambassador not to drag Belarus into the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Lukashenko's message is significant given Belarus's close alliance with Russia. Minsk has so far permitted Russian forces to use its territory for military operations. The Belarusian president has previously maintained a delicate balance, supporting Moscow in rhetoric while avoiding direct participation in military conflict.

The public warning to Russia's diplomatic representative suggests that tensions have emerged in relations between Minsk and Moscow over the question of how far Belarus's involvement in the Ukraine war should go.