Russia could use Belarus to attack Baltic states

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has warned that her country could be used as a launchpad for an attack on the Baltic states.

As Belarus and Russia prepare to hold joint military exercises this summer, the exiled dissident reminded observers that Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine shortly after the Zapad 2021 drills, which took place in the fall of that year.

While Belarus has already allowed Russia to attack Ukraine from its territory, Tsikhanouskaya believes the Belarusian people would never willingly turn their weapons on neighboring countries.

“They might be forced, but it doesn't mean that they will fight there. I hope that people will prefer to escape or change sides, but not fight with the Lithuanians or Poles—especially knowing how much these countries are supporting us,” she told Euronews.

Tsikhanouskaya, who has been living in exile in Lithuania since 2020, admitted that tensions in the region are rising, especially amid fears that Moscow could target former Soviet republics.

“It is a rather dire atmosphere with all the discussions over possible attacks on Lithuania, because Lithuania would be the first country on the way to the European Union,” she explained.

(QG - Source: Euronews - Picture : © Unsplash)