In Russia’s high circles, some may want to annex Belarus, Lukashenko claims (Photo: REUTERS/Maksym Shemetov)
Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko, apparently channeling a newfound respect for national sovereignty, warned the Russians that any attempt to “annex” Belarus would end in war in an interview with the propaganda outlet Izvestia.
Lukashenko, suddenly concerned about respecting borders, remarked that “we’re not in the Middle Ages anymore.”
“The world has changed; it’s a different place,” said the key Russian ally, who helped them invade a part of Ukrainian territories in 2022.
“So, let’s avoid setting foolish goals and remember to think about the consequences.”
Though Russia might try to “pressure” him, Lukashenko claims he’s confident that Vladimir Putin wouldn’t take it that far.
“In some high circles in Russia, there’s a desire to annex Belarus, but any such attempt would mean war,” Belarus’s self-styled defender of independence declared.
“You’re smaller, we’re bigger, and our economy is this or that. Sure, we’ll keep helping you – and then join Russia. That’s not how this works. It’s impossible and unrealistic. I’m almost afraid to say it, but that would mean war.”
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