A high-ranking official from Belarus, a close ally of Vladimir Putin, has claimed that Belarusian citizens are prepared to take up arms if Ukrainian forces were to attack. Viktor Tumar, the deputy chief of the Belarusian General Staff, made this statement amid escalating military tensions; a week earlier, President Alexander Lukashenko had noted that a significant portion of the Belarusian army was deployed at the border due to an estimated 120,000 Ukrainian troops stationed nearby.
Tumar emphasized that in the event of a Ukrainian invasion, citizens would be allowed to defend their homes. It’s important to note that Belarus shares borders with both Russia and Ukraine, yet there is currently no evidence of Ukrainian military plans to enter Belarus. Polls indicate that many Belarusians oppose the war and do not support their country’s involvement or the use of its territory by Russia.
Meanwhile, pro-Ukrainian partisan groups in Belarus have reportedly conducted sabotage operations targeting infrastructure, particularly railways, to hinder Russian actions. This reflects a broader domestic dissent against Lukashenko, often referred to as Europe’s “last dictator.”
In recent developments, Ukraine has conducted an incursion into the Kursk region, marking its first military action outside its borders since the conflict began. Tumar commented on this, stating that such actions would limit the movement of “sabotage and reconnaissance groups,” ensuring civilian safety.
Although Belarus has avoided active participation in the war, it has permitted Russian forces to launch attacks from its territory. There are concerns that Belarus might deepen its involvement following a recent agreement that strengthened economic ties with Russia under the “Union State” framework.
This year, Russia has moved tactical warheads to Belarus, prompting the latter to consider their use in response to perceived threats, though Putin has asserted they remain under Russian control. In June, joint nuclear exercises between Russia and Belarus showcased various military assets, signaling a potential escalation in military coordination.
On August 18, Lukashenko mentioned that forces have been positioned along the border, claiming this was a defensive measure in anticipation of a potential war, with Ukrainian troops anticipated to react should Russia advance from Belarus again.