Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Friday vowed that war would result if either his country or Russia were attacked, while noting that Belarus did not want to engage in conflict.
Lukashenko, an ally to Russian President Vladimir PutinVladimir Vladimirovich PutinYes, the US can legally intervene if Russia invades Ukraine Russia-Ukraine conflict threatens U.S. prestige China warns US to ‘stop interfering’ in Olympics MORE, made those comments to officials and lawmakers in a speech amid escalating tensions between Russia and the West, Reuters reported.
Russian troops and equipment have already started to arrive in Belarus, as the two are scheduled to participate in military exercises together between February 10 and February 20.
More than 100,000 Russian troops have already been amassed at the Ukrainian border, and the joint exercises taking place next month in Belarus, a country that borders Ukraine to the north, only amplify the military presence near the former Soviet republic.
The international community remains concerned that Russia is readying itself for an invasion into Ukraine, though Russia denies such intent.
President Biden
Meanwhile, U.S. officials on Friday called on Russia to seek diplomacy and “stand down” on Ukraine.
“We strongly encourage Russia to stand down and to pursue a resolution through diplomacy,” Gen. Mark Milley
“There’s no reason that this situation has to devolve into conflict,” Defense Lloyd Austin