Belarus is preparing for war, Ukraine is worried
Russia's close ally Belarus has started to prepare for war. President Alexander Lukashenko announced the names of the new foreign minister and air force chief while visiting the country's military exercises. Concerns have spread in Ukraine about this military preparation of Belarus. Alexander Lukashenko announced the name of Sergei Aleynik as Foreign Minister on Tuesday. Recently, the country's foreign minister Vladimir Makei (64) died. However, the cause of his death is not known. Andrei Lukyanovich, who was previously the deputy commander of the country's air force, has been promoted to head of the air force. The country's state news agency Belta reported this information. The air force chief was removed last month citing ageism.
Russia rejects Ukraine's peace proposal
Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry PeskovBelarus, however, has already said that they will not get involved in the war in Ukraine. However, Lukashenko allowed Russian forces to use Belarusian territory to attack the northern part of Ukraine last February. Apart from this, they have placed Belarusian soldiers on guard along with the Ukrainian soldiers on the border. Apart from various military exercises, counter-terrorism exercises have also been intensified in Belarus since last week. Concerns have arisen in Kiev about this matter. Kiev fears that Belarusian forces may go to war on behalf of Russia. Russia and Belarus have long been known as close allies. There is economic and military cooperation between the two countries. Western military analysts say Belarus' small army lacks combat experience. They won't make much of a difference in battle. However, Ukrainian forces are currently fighting in the south and east. An attack from the north now could turn the tide of the war in Ukraine.
Russia is ramping up production of 'most powerful weapons'
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Deputy Chairman of the country's Security Council Dmitry Medvedev. The Ministry of Defense of Belarus said that the Belarusian troops will quickly position themselves in certain areas as part of the exercise. It will also fix traffic bridge crossings in western and eastern Belarus. During this time, people will not be able to move in that area.
Melitopol city in Ukraine occupied by Russia
Meanwhile, air strikes were sounded across Ukraine on Tuesday. Ukrainian leaders have warned that Russian forces may launch new missile and drone strikes. However, no new attack was reported yesterday. Russia has been targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure since last October. It has cut off electricity in different regions of Ukraine. Read the full article