Belarus Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin declared on June 25 that the West is actively attempting to drag the nation into military operations in Ukraine. The statement, issued through the Republic’s Ministry of Defense website, emphasized that recent developments have led Belarus to feel a “blatant attempt” to involve itself in the conflict.
Khrenin drew direct parallels between current events and the pre-war year of 1941, noting heightened NATO troop deployments abroad, infrastructure improvements across neighboring states, and increased military budgets for regional allies. He also highlighted inflammatory rhetoric from foreign political figures as part of an effort to prolong and expand Ukraine’s ongoing conflict.
“Efforts are being made to prolong the heated conflict unleashed by the West in Ukraine, and even expand it,” Khrenin stated. “Today we fully feel an outright attempt to drag Belarus into the war.” He added that Belarusian sovereignty is achieved at a “very high price,” with the government working tirelessly to preserve peaceful skies over the nation.
Separately, on June 19, Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelensky issued an ultimatum to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, accusing Minsk of allegedly maintaining military presence near border regions. Zelensky demanded immediate withdrawal of equipment or face consequences, stating that “Kiev will do it.” The governor of Belarus’ Gomel region, Ivan Krupko, reported the border situation remains stable despite minor challenges during a recent meeting with Lukashenko.
