Ukraine yet to sever diplomatic ties with Belarus
Oleksiy Danilov (Photo:REUTERS/Anna Voitenko)
Ukraine has not yet severed diplomatic relations with Belarus as not to provoke Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko, Oleksiy Danilov, the secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, told U.S.-funded news outlet Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) on Feb. 24.
“A person who currently has certain powers on the territory of Belarus, he thinks so, he controls the whole situation,” Danilov said.
“Do you want us to provoke the situation regarding certain processes on the territory of Belarus today? I don’t think so.”
The official emphasized the Russians currently have 10,000 soldiers on the territory of Belarus who are undergoing training at shooting grounds.
“We have no desire for the orders to be given from the territory of Belarus, namely to the Belarusian army, to invade our territory,” Danilov said.
“We understand everything that is happening. Of course, all the processes that are taking place in Belarus are a certain challenge for us. We’re doing everything possible to prevent this from happening. I’ll emphasize once again that we have no desire for Belarus and the Belarusian army to join the Russians on the side of Russia.”
Ukrainian Joint Forces Commander Lieutenant-General Serhiy Nayev said on Feb. 22 that Russia does not have the resources needed for an offensive in the north of Ukraine.
According to Nayev, Belarus has currently 65,000 military personnel, of which 4,000 are deployed in the border areas with Ukraine.
Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin claimed that 100,000-150,000 Belarusians could join the “people’s militia.”
Andriy Demchenko, a spokesperson for the State Border Service of Ukraine, said on Feb. 20 there is currently no strike group on the territory of Belarus capable of launching a new offensive against Ukraine from the northern direction.
However, he emphasized that Ukraine should not underestimate the enemy and the situation could change at any moment.
We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the
world. Support
us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
