Lukashenko: Russian S-400 and Iskander missiles likely to remain in Belarus
Russian S-400 air defence systems and Iskander missile complexes are likely to remain on the Belarusian territory – as noted by President Aleksandr Lukashenko at a meeting on issues of state defence needs for 2022, BelTA reports
"We have agreed with Russia that we will probably leave the S-400s that we have. This [weapon] can see from Minsk to Berlin, and is designed for large armies and territories – like Russian, for example. Meanwhile, for us [Belarusian Armed Forces – BelTA’s remark], maybe it is not necessary to see what is happening there, in Berlin. Moreover, the S-300, which we are armed with, is a fairly good modern weapon – almost like the S-400. The S-400 is good equipment, and we saw it during this operation as well. It is very good. We have agreed with the Defence Minister that he would virtually tomorrow prepare several groups of guys who will be able to deal with this military hardware,” the Head of State said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko also announced plans to purchase Iskander missile systems from Russia, “This weapon is very necessary for us, and we have it already. I have agreed with Russians that we will buy Iskanders from them. They will not be withdrawn from Belarus, and they can be used to defend our territory.”
According to the President, the weapons that the Belarusian army already has at its disposal is also able to ensure the country’s defence capability. “I think this is a good weapon for the army. It means our army will be able to fight and inflict unacceptable damage to the enemy – in the way we planned. We are realists, we understand that we will not be able to defeat NATO. However, we have all weapons able to cause damage, especially to the territories from which we will be attacked. These weapons cover the entire territory of Poland and up to the Baltic Sea – not to mention the Baltic States, and also practically Ukraine beyond Kiev. I am not hinting at anything, but I want everyone to understand the firing range of the weapons we have."
