"The world is being dragged into a mindless arms race, including nuclear weapons."
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that these remarks were made by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko during a recent address regarding regional security.
"In 2026, we will mark the 85th anniversary of the start of the Great Patriotic War. At that time, a great catastrophe befell the country, and the peoples of the USSR overcame it at the cost of unprecedented losses and hardships.
We see that today the international situation resembles that difficult period for our country. Military hysteria is being purposefully incited by the West, the military budgets of NATO countries are continuously increasing, and a rapid militarization of Europe, especially our neighbors to the west, is taking place," he stated.
Lukashenko noted that the system of deterrence and balance, which previously ensured pan-European security, has been dismantled.
"The world is being dragged into another mindless arms race, including in the field of nuclear weapons. The main task of all people of good will living on the planet is to do everything possible and impossible to prevent a new world war. We have done this and will continue to do so because it is the requirement of the times. Our main arguments must be the unity of the people, a strong army, high morale, and the readiness of our soldiers, officers, and all security structures."
Furthermore, he emphasized the necessity of constantly strengthening the country's defense capabilities and ensuring its security. These statements come amid heightened geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe, where Belarus remains a key strategic ally of Russia. The Belarusian leadership has frequently voiced concerns over the expansion of NATO's military presence near its borders, citing it as a direct threat to regional stability.
Historically, Belarus has maintained a close military and political alliance with the Russian Federation, forming the Union State. In recent years, the security landscape in the region has shifted significantly, leading to increased military exercises and the deployment of advanced defense systems. Lukashenko's warnings reflect the ongoing friction between the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) members and Western alliances, as both sides navigate a complex and deteriorating international security architecture.
