Between Ukraine and Russia: Belarus sitting on the fence? (video)


Belarus is still swimming between two waters: Minsk assured both the Ukrainian and Russian authorities of friendship. At least, our country has not recognised the results of Sunday’s referendum in Crimea yet. But is this stance really neutral?

As before, Belarus advocates for the inviolability of the territory of Ukraine, Dzmitry Mironchyk, spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, said.

Does Kyiv believe these assurances? Vital Klitschko called to resolutely respond to any intrusion of Russian soldiers to the territory of Ukraine. It is noteworthy that the UDAR party leader made such a statement in the border area, not far from Belarus…

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VITALIY KLITSCHKO, UDAR party leader:

‘We are aware of so called political tourists. A lot of people cross the border to take part in rallies – and unfortunately, not under Ukrainian flags.’

According to Mr Klitschko, Aliaksandr Lukashenka reassured the Ukrainian envoy of the absence of troops on the Belarusian side of the border. Mr Lukashenka guaranteed inviolability of the border.

Promises are given, but a number of Russian militants in our country is increasing.

VIKTOR BONDAREV, Russian Air Force commander:

‘A flight of four Su-27SM3s of the Russian Air Force is already patrolling the Union State’s border. A regiment of 24 Sukhoi Su-27SM3 Flanker fighter jets will be stationed in Baranavichy, Brest region, by the end of this year.’

Six Su-27 fighter jets and three military transport aircraft landed at an airfield in Babruysk, on Thursday, one day after Belarus invited Russia to deploy up to 15 additional warplanes in the Belarusian territory in response to increased NATO activity in Poland and Lithuania, the President said.

ALIAKSANDR LUKASHENKA:

‘No Kremlins are pressurizing me. There’s no sense. I will protect the interests of my country.’

Meanwhile, on Friday Belarusian-Russian war games started in the territory of our country, most aircraft being placed on alert.

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry considered these measures as a threat to its national security and attempts to draw Belarus into the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.

Whar are Belarusians thinking about it?

MINSK RESIDENTS:

‘When troops are being mobilised. It’s a bit scary. But I think everything will be ok. It won’t run to serious conflicts.’

‘There is stability in Belarus, and our President is pursuing a right policy. We are on the safe ground.’

‘I like the President’s position. He said that we had our own interest.’

Pavel Seviarynets, a former political prisoner and co-chair of the Belarusian Christian Democracy Party, believes that the Kremlin’s actions pose a threat not only to our neighbour in the south.

PAVEL SEVIARYNETS:

‘Ukraine today, Belarus tomorrow. Belarusians should take it into account. We should stick together and be solidary.’

The Belarusian authorities might have assured Ukraine of friendship but they are constantly trying to obstruct this solidarity. For example, Vaukavysk court fined activist Vital Hulyak for holding an anti-war picket.

Hanna Liubakova/MS

www.belsat.eu/en

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