Lukashenko asserts Belarus is preparing for war

During a visit to Grodno, Lukashenko made these remarks, as reported by BELTA.

Lukashenko participated in a ceremony marking the placement of a time capsule at the construction site of a new city hospital in Grodno. He portrayed the event as a message to neighboring countries.

"We're digging the ground just like them, near the border. However, our objectives are vastly different. While they construct trenches and fortifications, focusing on offensive capabilities, we allocate two-thirds of the region's budget to social services such as healthcare, education, culture, and sports. We aim to build a peaceful future. We are solely focused on creation," Lukashenko emphasized.

He expressed the belief that Belarus does not seek conflict but is actively preparing for it.

"Don't be misled; we're not seeking conflict. I speak candidly when I say we're preparing for war. 'If you want peace, prepare for war'—I didn't coin the phrase, but it holds true," he stated.

Lukashenko highlighted the ongoing training of relevant units in Belarus and the supply of various weapons and equipment to the troops.

"If unfriendly nations criticize our actions, it confirms we're on the right track. If they start praising us, it's cause for concern. We harbor no territorial ambitions. May we tend to our own land," the Belarusian leader said.

• Simultaneously, territorial defense exercises commenced in Belarusian regions bordering Ukraine, Lithuania, and Poland on the same day.