Lukashenko gathers security forces to talk about "neighbors' readiness to attack"

Lukashenko's website reports.

"If you want peace, prepare for war. We conducted and continue to conduct training. Now, due to the current situation and threats, they are more extensive. That is why we conduct training on our territory. We move to wherever we deem necessary, and joint group of the armed forces, and its own armed forces. Period," self-proclaimed president of Belarus said.

Lukashenko assures that there is allegedly "no other plan, no conspiracy" in transfer of troops closer to the border with Ukraine.

He emphasized that he allegedly cannot rule out that "aggression may be launched" against Belarus. He also added that he allegedly even sees "such readiness on the part of neighbors."

• On December 15, Commander-in-Chief of Ukrainian Armed Forces Valerii Zaluzhnyy said he does not rule out an attack by Russian invading forces on Kyiv from Belarus. The Russian Federation may repeat the attack on Kyiv in January-February 2023. Currently, the aggressor country is preparing about 200,000 new soldiers. 

• On December 19, Putin visited Minsk, where he met with Lukashenko. Head of Russian Ministry of Defense Sergey Shoigu also arrived for a meeting with his Belarusian colleague.