Lukashenko vows harsh military action at Belarus-Lithuania border

The Belarusian dictator Aleksandr Lukashenko made an official visit to the soldiers of a tank battalion stationed at the Belarusian-Lithuanian border. The inspection was an occasion for a political demonstration. Threatening words were spoken, promising a harsh military response 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 reaction: shoot to kill," the self-proclaimed leader of Belarus was quoted by "Pul Pierwego", a Telegram channel considered to be close to Lukashenko's press service.

The heightened readiness of the Belarusian army is linked to exercises that have been ongoing since March 14. These exercises are taking place in the border zone with Lithuania and will continue until April 5. As reported by PAP, the Belarusian Ministry of Defence had already announced on March 11 that it was testing the army's readiness.

The plan describes this test as "comprehensive". Soldiers are undergoing unit movement tests, exercises, drills, and live firing.

Minsk has reported possible disruptions in civilian transport traffic due to military equipment appearing on the roads.

The mobilization of the Belarusian army is a response to maneuvers conducted by NATO. The Dragon-24 exercises, involving 20,000 soldiers from nine NATO countries, including 15,000 from Poland, represent the largest NATO exercise since the Alliance's expansion 25 years ago.

Source: PAP