Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has declared that his country is preparing for war. He made the statement during a meeting with Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov.

According to Lukashenko, the joint Russian-Belarusian military force deployed along the western strategic direction is fully combat-ready. He stressed that maintaining this grouping is essential to the security of both countries.

As reported by the Telegram channel Pul Pervogo, Lukashenko explained that Belarus and Russia are taking military precautions while doing everything possible to avoid war. He argued that constant readiness is necessary to prevent an armed conflict and that the joint force on the western front must remain operational.

The Belarusian leader also stated that Minsk is fulfilling all its obligations to protect the borders of the Union State. He added that the opponents of Russia and Belarus are well aware of these measures.

Earlier, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin described the military and political situation surrounding the two countries as complex and constantly changing. He reported increased intelligence-gathering activities and military training exercises near Russian and Belarusian borders.

Khrenin also pointed to NATO’s continued military buildup on its eastern flank. According to the minister, attempts to destabilize the situation and carry out provocations in the information space are continuing.