Lukashenko: reaction to extremist activity will be harsh, Ukraine is a lesson for Belarus
At today’s meeting on the socio-political situation and the state of crime in the country, the Head of State warned that the reaction to extremist activity in Belarus would be harsh. In this regard, Aleksandr Lukashenko recalled that, after 2020, some of those who opposed the state then live under the radar now, adding that the events in Ukraine should be a lesson for everyone.
“It is bad that we have such a situation around the country, especially with our Ukraine. Actually, it is a lesson for us: it is a lesson for ten million of our citizens and also guests who are visiting our country. Everyone has already understood: if we failed to stand ground back in 2020, we know what would have happened. It would have been worse than in Ukraine! Ukraine is rich, it is richer than Belarus, and it would have been worse here. Well, it is clear to all (I do not want someone to express gratitude to me or you for that), in the name of what and thanks to whom we stood ground. So how can we treat now those who – after those events – emerge from under the baseboard and start or continue their nasty activities, fighting against the people and against the authorities? Of course, we react harshly to this,” the Head of State stressed.
The Belarusian leader added that the government would never allow strolling – as it was in 2020. “Of course, the pandemic and other issues (pre-election, electoral) had their influence at that time, but it is not an excuse. We need to team up to survive – so that, God forbid, there are no missiles or bomb dropping here. Those in the West are already rubbing their hands, and these [militants] are already being trained in Ukraine. I do not know why Ukrainians need this. On the one hand, they ask us not to fight against Ukraine in any case, not to allow our troops move there – offering to conclude a non-aggression pact. On the other hand, they are preparing this ‘explosive mixture’ and arm these people. Poland and Lithuania have generally gone mad. Why do they need this? With this in view, we are forced to react harshly. We have enough problems around the perimeter, so nobody should create any of them domestically. Therefore, the reaction to these internal extremists (either they are in a shadow or already on the surface) – not the opposition – would be harsh. No offence, but we are warning them,’ Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
