Lukashenko warns NATO of swift response to any NATO strike on Belarusian aircraft

He made these remarks to Russian propagandist Pavel Zarubin, according to BELTA.

In the conversation, Lukashenko shared his views on the potential downing of planes entering Alliance airspace, saying, “You can chatter all you want and launch any schemes in public space.”

“But when it comes to the real thing, you’ll see how they will shoot. Will they shoot Belarusian aircraft — planes, helicopters — on our territory?” he added.

Lukashenko also reminded that he frequently flies to the Belovezhskaya Pushcha area near the Polish border.

“Will they shoot the president’s helicopter or some military escort helicopter? Then the response will be immediate. This is not the war in Ukraine,” he promised.

The self-proclaimed Belarusian president also complained about claims that an attack on a NATO country would mean they would defend themselves and nearly strike Belarus in retaliation.

“And what, are we supposed to, excuse me, just sit and do nothing?” Lukashenko fumed.

• European diplomats delivered a blunt message to the Kremlin, warning that NATO stands prepared to use lethal force against Russian aircraft that violate alliance airspace.