Belarusian Defence Minister Viktar Khrenin has stated that there is a high risk of a military conflict between Russia, Belarus and the West. According to him, the build-up of NATO troops near the eastern border and the Alliance's strategic plans indicate preparations for a potential war. He also drew attention to the significant increase in defence spending by Western countries.
- The Belarusian Defence Minister called the risk of war with NATO extremely high.
- NATO has deployed about 21,000 troops in Poland and the Baltic states.
- According to Khrenin, NATO is preparing offensive operations against Belarus and Russia.
Risk assessment by the Ministry of Defence of Belarus
Minister of Defence of Belarus Viktor Khrenin described the likelihood of a military conflict between Russia, Belarus and NATO countries as extremely high. This was stated at a meeting of the Council of Defence Ministers of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation in Moscow. Hrenin also noted that the conflict could transform from regional to global.
Increasing NATO's military presence near the border
According to Hrenin, NATO has deployed about 21,000 troops in Poland and the Baltic states. The Belarusian Defence Minister stressed that these forces regularly practice troop deployments and offensive operations on the eastern flank, which is seen as a direct threat to Russia and Belarus.
Growth of defence budgets as a threat factor
Hrenin linked the increase in NATO defence spending, which exceeds $1.6 trillion a year, to preparations for armed confrontation. He stressed that these funds are aimed at strengthening the Alliance's military capabilities, which increases the likelihood of conflict.
Strategic documents of Western countries
The head of the Belarusian defence ministry said that the strategic documents of the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and France contain provisions that enshrine preparations for a potential conflict with Russia. These documents, according to Khrenin, indicate the West's intentions to counter Russia militarily.
New NATO structures for rapid force deployment
Earlier, it was announced that NATO would create a new structure to ensure rapid deployment of forces in Latvia and Estonia in the event of a war with Russia. This decision strengthens the Alliance's position on the eastern flank and is part of the deterrence strategy that the Belarusian Ministry of Defence is pursuing.
