On August 9, 2024, the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Ukraine of violating Belarusian airspace with a group of drones. In response to this incident, Minsk not only initiated consultations with its allies but also took measures to strengthen its defense by moving military equipment to the borders with Ukraine. However, these steps raise serious concerns and suspicions about Belarus’s true intentions, particularly in the context of its role in Russian aggression.
On August 10, 2024, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin announced the deployment of «Polonez» and «Iskander» missile systems to the Gomel and Mozyr regions, close to the Ukrainian border. This move was presented as a reaction to the alleged violations of Belarusian airspace by Ukrainian drones in August. Such a transfer of military equipment significantly increases the risk of further escalation and intensifies the situation at the border with Ukraine, raising serious concerns about Minsk’s intentions and its potential involvement in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
It is worth noting that in the past, when Russian drones repeatedly crossed the Belarusian-Ukrainian border, Minsk remained silent. The lack of response to Russia’s actions and the sharp condemnation of Ukraine highlight the double standards in Belarus’s policy and its dependence on Moscow.
Belarus’s statements about «provocations» by external forces and «self-defense threats» can be seen as laying the groundwork for its potential involvement in the war on Russia’s side. Minsk, which previously claimed to seek peace, is supporting Moscow’s aggressive intentions through its actions and rhetoric, casting doubt on its declared neutrality.
Additionally, the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs appealed to the people of Europe, warning of the possible expansion of the war and the threat of the conflict spreading to EU territory. This statement is clearly aimed at creating an atmosphere of fear and destabilization among Western politicians and the public. Such steps are intended to intimidate European countries, sow panic, and divide the European Union, weakening its resolve to support Ukraine. These actions are part of a broader Russian strategy designed to undermine European solidarity, discredit policies toward Ukraine, and divert attention from Moscow’s own aggressive actions and the war it is waging in Ukraine.
Thus, Belarus is effectively becoming a tool in Russia’s hands, actively supporting its aggression and destabilization in the region. The declared desire of Minsk for peace and neutrality does not withstand scrutiny in light of actions that lead to further escalation and threaten European security.
Source: Polskie nowiny