Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko warned that any attempt by NATO to shoot down Russian or Belarusian aircraft would trigger an immediate response. He remarked rhetorically that if an alliance strike targeted even the presidential helicopter, the reaction from Minsk would follow without delay.

Lukashenko dismissed recent NATO statements about potentially destroying Russian aircraft as reckless and foolish. He pointed to a recent episode with Poland, noting that Belarus had warned Warsaw about incoming drones, although it was under no obligation to do so. In his view, this was an example of acting «like neighbors» something he said European politicians are failing to practice. He characterized their proposals as irresponsible and absurd, stressing that such behavior is unacceptable.

The remarks came after Poland scrambled military aircraft in response to reports of alleged Russian activity. Following established procedures, the country’s operational commander ordered all available forces and assets to be placed on alert.