Belarus president expresses concern over growing NATO military presence

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has expressed concern over the growing NATO military presence near the Belarusian border, particularly from Lithuania and Poland.

"We are very concerned about the situation in Western Europe, especially along our borders, particularly with Poland and Lithuania. We assess this threat as even greater than that from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Troops are being stationed just 15 kilometres from the border—an alarming proximity—comprising not only Polish and Lithuanian forces, but also NATO armed forces from other countries, including Germany," Lukashenko stated after signing the Security Guarantees Agreement within the Union State, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

He further emphasised that Poland’s significant investment in its military raises serious concerns.

"This is a major source of concern for us. It represents a direct threat to the collective strength of our armed forces," he added.

Earlier, President Lukashenko stated that Belarus could only expect something from Russian President Vladimir Putin when he promises it. This remark came after Putin indicated that the deployment of the Oreshnik missile system in Belarus was possible. Putin had confirmed that the deployment of the Oreshnik in Belarus could take place in the second half of 2025. The Russian president emphasised that the missile system would be part of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces, but the identification of targets would be under Belarusian control. Putin added that the missile system would be simultaneously integrated into both the Russian and Belarusian armed forces.

By Naila Huseynova