NewsLukashenko vows to meet border provocations with force amid drills
Lukashenko vows to meet border provocations with force amid drills
8:44 AM EDT, March 26, 2024
The Belarusian leader Aleksandr Lukashenko recently paid a visit to a tank battalion stationed at the Belarusian-Lithuanian border, turning the inspection into a political demonstration. He issued threatening statements, vowing a severe military retaliation to "any provocation."
Every provocation must be stopped by military means. No one will be fooling around. Every violation of the state border must be met with a strong response: shoot to kill," declared Lukashenko, as reported by "Pul Pierwego," a Telegram channel thought to be affiliated with his press office.
This show of military readiness by the Belarusian army is tied to exercises that have been ongoing since March 14, set to continue in the border region adjoining Lithuania until April 5. According to reports from the Polish Press Agency (PAP), the Belarusian Ministry of Defense announced on March 11 that it was testing the army's preparedness.
Belarusian Army Maneuvers
The army is undergoing a "comprehensive" test, which includes the movement of units, exercises, drills, and live fire activities.
Moreover, Minsk has notified the public about potential disruptions to civilian transport, as military vehicles may be present on the roads.
The activation of the Belarusian forces is in reaction to NATO maneuvers. Specifically, the Dragon-24 exercises, involving 20,000 soldiers from nine NATO member countries, including 15,000 from Poland, mark the largest exercise by the Alliance since its expansion 25 years ago.
Source: PAP
