Belarus President warns of the risk of World War III breaking out

The President of Belarus said he was prepared for possible unstable developments in the world, emphasizing the risk of a new world war.

Newsweek reported that during a meeting with senior officials, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said that concerns about the risk of World War III are legitimate as the country has consolidated plans to "prepare as much as possible." possible" for future confrontations.

The world is once again approaching the edge of the abyss. We must prepare as much as possible to neutralize risks and threats. There are grounds to worry about a third world war," Mr. Lukashenko said.
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko

His warning comes as the Russia-Ukraine war, which is approaching the two-year mark, has increased global concerns that the conflict could spread and escalate out of control.

It is the biggest conflict in Europe since World War II, and warnings about the use of nuclear weapons by either side have added to concerns at a time when other fighting is also raging across the world. world.

Belarus is one of the countries supporting Russia in the special military campaign in Ukraine, when it once allowed Moscow to use its territory to send troops into the neighboring country.

Russia has transferred tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus to help its close ally ensure security against external threats. However, Belarus has repeatedly stated that its soldiers have not participated in Russia's military campaign in Ukraine. Belarus also called on the parties to negotiate to reach a ceasefire. NATO is conducting the largest military exercises in Europe since the 1990s, with about 90,000 soldiers participating over several months.

Referring to the exercises, Mr. Lukashenko said Minsk's intelligence services were closely monitoring and revealed that about 32,000 soldiers from NATO members were deployed "in the vicinity of Belarus and Russia." .

Mr. Lukashenko said that two new units of the S-400 air defense system are being staffed in the country's army. He added that two other divisions are equipped with Iskander-M tactical missile systems.

Belarus has strengthened relations with Russia in recent times. Last month, Minsk and Moscow signed new agreements that Putin said demonstrated "a true alliance and strategic partnership between Russia and Belarus."