Lukashenko says Belarus is ready to defend itself in case of aggression

Belarus needs to strengthen its defense capabilities and prepare to resist in case of military aggression. This statement was made by President of the country Alexander Lukashenko at a meeting at the Obuz-Lesnovsky military range on September 24.

"Once again I want to emphasize (although why should we justify ourselves to anyone) that we are not going to fight, we do not want war. <...> Those who are preparing [to go to war] against us, let's be blunt, will go to war. So we have to prepare for war. And God willing, that this war will not happen," BelTA reports his words.

Lukashenko added that at the moment the Belarusian authorities do not observe any tendencies to unleash war against the country.

Earlier, September 17, Lukashenko warned that an attack on the Belarusian territories would indicate the beginning of World War III. He also emphasized that the country has something to respond to external aggression.

Prior to that, August 10, during a working trip to Mahiliou voblast, the president called his main task at the moment to prevent the deployment of military conflict in the republic.

The same day he urged the residents of the state not to worry about the threat of military conflict. At the same time, Lukashenka promised to inform them "long in advance" in case of any aggravation of the situation.