Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stated that Moscow is prepared to use the full range of measures to protect Belarus, following a warning from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- Lavrov confirmed Russia’s readiness to defend Belarus.
- The statement was made following Zelenskyy’s warning about drones.
- Moscow cites its alliance agreements with Minsk.
- Ukraine is demanding that the threat posed by Belarus be eliminated.
- Russia and Belarus are stepping up their military and political cooperation.
Lavrov emphasised Russia’s readiness to take action
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Sergey Lavrov He emphasised that Russia is prepared to fulfil all its obligations under the security guarantee treaty with Belarus. According to Lavrov, Moscow will take the necessary measures to ensure the security of its ally should any threats arise.
“If necessary, we are prepared to take the full range of measures provided for in the treaty to ensure the security of our ally,” he said.
At the same time, Lavrov did not specify exactly what measures might be taken in response to potential threats.
Reaction to Zelenskyy’s statement
Lavrov made this statement after the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Belarus to remove the equipment, which, according to Kyiv, is being used by Russia to coordinate drone attacks on Ukrainian territory. Zelenskyy stressed that Minsk has a limited amount of time to resolve this issue. Otherwise, Ukraine may take its own measures to eliminate the threat.
Military and political cooperation between Russia and Belarus
In recent years, Russia and Belarus have significantly stepped up their military and political cooperation. The countries regularly hold joint exercises, coordinate defence policy and declare their readiness to provide mutual support in the field of security. Lavrov’s statement indicates that Moscow continues to regard Belarus as a key ally on its western flank.
