Belarus Can Seek Assistance from CSTO in Case of External Threat, Official Says

Belarus may seek assistance from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) if the country’s defense is threatened by an external danger. This was stated by CSTO spokesperson Vladimir Zainetdinov in an interview with RIA Novosti.

“In the event that external danger threatens the country’s defense, according to Article 4 of the Collective Security Treaty, the country has the right to seek assistance,” Zainetdinov said, responding to a question about the circumstances under which Belarus could request help from the CSTO.

Earlier, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced that during a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week, they agreed that Russia would provide assistance to ensure security in Belarus at the first request.

It is worth noting that since the presidential elections on August 9, Belarusian citizens have been expressing their dissatisfaction with the election results through daily protests and strikes, with the incumbent president being declared the winner by over 80% of the votes.