Lukashenko Discusses Conditions for War in Belarus

The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, has stated that in modern conditions, a war could begin not through external aggression but rather through the "destruction of people's minds" to sow chaos within Belarus. According to Lukashenko, foreign troops may only be sent to the republic if absolutely necessary. This was reported by the RIA Novosti agency.

Lukashenko made these remarks during a ceremony in Minsk honoring graduates of higher military educational institutions and senior officers on Thursday.

"Theoretically, we are not preparing for war in the same way as before. You understand perfectly that a war is likely to begin not through external aggression, but from within, starting with the destruction of our people's minds. And only at that point, if necessary, will foreign troops be brought in here. We have discussed this; this is the essence of our national security concept," said the Belarusian leader.

Relations between Belarus and Western countries have deteriorated since the presidential elections in 2020. Following the presidential elections held on August 9, in which Alexander Lukashenko claimed victory for the sixth time with 80.1% of the votes, mass protests by the opposition erupted in the country. The opposition believes that Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya won and is demanding negotiations on the transfer of power and new elections. The former candidate left for Lithuania immediately after the elections.

The Belarusian Prosecutor General's office has initiated a criminal case regarding calls for seizing power, with Tsikhanouskaya being the main accused. She is currently wanted by Interpol in Belarus and Russia.