Lukashenko says Belarus is prepared for coup, Kremlin ready to back its ally

Polish media outlet RP reported that on May 25, Alexander Lukashenko, the self-proclaimed president of Belarus, made a statement regarding recent comments by General Waldemar Skrzypczak, the former commander of the Polish Army.

“If the Ukrainian counter-offensive is successful, the armed Belarusians, who are part of the military potential of the Ukrainian army, will go to Belarus. I hope that this will trigger an uprising there,” General Waldemar Skrzypczak told Polsat News.

Alexander Lukashenko argues that the authorities in Minsk "have known for a long time that Warsaw is preparing to organize something like a rebellion in Belarus."

"Unfortunately, they do not listen to my statements. A few months ago I said that they were getting ready - for a rebellion, for a revolution - I don't know what they are getting ready for in Belarus. We have known for a long time that they are preparing for, perhaps, another revolution. They form their units, entire regiments, battalions. We know where they are, we know their names. We are ready, let them come," Lukashenko said.

The Russian authorities also responded to the Polish general’s statement.

According to Wiadomości, Dmitry Peskov, Russian’s president’s spokesman, says that Russia will intervene if a popular armed uprising breaks out in Belarus to overthrow the regime of self-proclaimed Belarusian President Lukashenko.

"This neighboring state (Belarus - ed.) is our partner, ally and brotherly state. Naturally, the Russian Federation has obligations to ensure the security of Belarus, which we will do in the face of such an obvious threat.”

He also called Poland a "hostile" towards Russia state, which is "literally falling into Russophobic hysteria.”

Peskov added that Poland allegedly "in fact openly speaks about its intention to interfere directly, including by force, in the internal affairs of the neighboring state.”

• General Waldemar Skrzypczak also urged Warsaw to prepare for a possible anti-Lukashenko uprising