According to US and NATO officials, Belarus could “soon” join Russia in its war against Ukraine, and the country is already taking steps to do so.
Belarus’s entry into the conflict is becoming more “likely,” according to a NATO military official on Monday.
“(Russian President Vladimir) Putin requires assistance. Anything would be beneficial “The official elaborated.
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According to a Belarusian opposition source, Belarusian combat units are ready to enter Ukraine as soon as the next few days, with thousands of forces ready to deploy.
According to this source, this would have less of a military impact than it would have a geopolitical impact, given the implications of another country joining the war.
Separately, a senior NATO intelligence official stated that the alliance believes the Belarusian government is “creating the conditions for a Belarusian offensive against Ukraine.”
In response to the war, US and European sanctions have targeted both Russian and Belarusian officials, including Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
Belarus amended its constitution last month to allow it to permanently host both Russian forces and nuclear weapons, though US officials told CNN that they have seen no evidence of Russia moving or preparing to move nuclear weapons.
According to the sources, there have been no indications that Belarus is currently involved in the fighting in Ukraine, and a senior US defense official stated that the Pentagon had not seen “any indications that the Belarusians are preparing to move in — into Ukraine or that they have made any agreements to do so.”
According to the NATO military official, a final decision on Belarus’ involvement in the war must still be made in Moscow, and there has been no indication that Belarusian forces are currently fighting in Ukraine.
“It’s not about what Lukashenko wants,” said the official. “The question is whether Putin wishes to have another unstable country in the region.”
“Involvement would destabilize Belarus,” according to the official.
