Belarusian Foreign Ministry claims about violations of its airspace by Ukrainian drones raise doubts and highlight Minsk’s double standards. According to Belarus, the incident involving Ukrainian drones occurred on August 9, 2024, when up to ten drones allegedly crossed the Belarusian border. However, when Russian drones like “Shakhed” previously entered Belarusian territory, Minsk’s reaction was milder. This raises questions about the honesty of Belarusian claims regarding neutrality and peace.
Despite the allegations, Belarus has not provided evidence that Ukrainian drones actually crossed the border. This raises doubts about the credibility of Belarus’s statements and suggests possible political motives.
As a Russian ally, Belarus actively supports Russian actions, including providing its territory for the deployment of Russian troops and attacks on Ukraine. In the light of the alleged drone incident, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin announced the deployment of “Polonez” and “Iskander” missile systems to areas bordering Ukraine. These actions pose a risk of further escalation of the war.
In response to Belarus’s involvement in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the EU Council imposed additional sanctions on Belarus in June 2024. These measures include restrictions on the export of dual-use technologies, goods for improving Belarusian industrial capacities, and services in financial and other sectors. The new sanctions aim to eliminate the possibility of circumventing sanctions imposed on Russia, considering the high degree of integration between the Belarusian and Russian economies.
In August 2024, Canada and the US imposed additional sanctions on Belarus. These sanctions target individuals and entities involved in supporting Russian military aggression and human rights violations in Belarus. Specifically, sanctions include freezing assets, prohibiting any financial transactions with these individuals and organisations, and restricting the provision of financial services. “Lukashenko’s support for Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine is costing Belarus dearly… Lukashenko has traded the autonomy and position of his country in the international community for financial and political benefits for himself and his inner circle,” Washington stated.
Statements by Belarusian officials that Ukraine acts under the “influence” of external forces attempt to justify Belarus’s actions and reinforce Russia’s image as a defending side. Such manipulations aim to distract from the war’s real causes and destabilise the region. The Belarusian Foreign Ministry’s statements about the possible expansion of the war into EU territory are designed to create a climate of fear among Western politicians and the general public.
The international community should maintain a critical stance towards Belarusian statements, recognising that they are in all likelihood part of a broad disinformation strategy. Support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression must remain a priority, despite attempts by Russia and its allies to destabilise the situation and sow discord among the international community.
