Belarus Will React Without Warning to Attempts Aimed at Violating Its Border, Lukashenko Says

Earlier in the day, Lukashenko said that putting the army on combat alert and deploying troops on Belarus' western borders was his main decision in 25 years.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has warned against violating his country's borders.

"Without warning! If they trespass the border, react without warning!" Lukashenko said in Grodno when responding to a report by the country's Defence Ministry about an increased number of aircraft spotted close to the borders of Belarus. 

Belarusian Defence Minister Viktor Khrenin told the president about the increased frequency of flights near borders.

"They are approaching the border and turning away," the minister said.

Earlier on Saturday, Lukashenko said that putting the army on combat alert and deploying troops on the country’s western borders was his main decision in 25 years. He also repeatedly stressed that he was concerned about the increased activity of NATO forces in the vicinity of the Belarusian borders. Lukashenko accused the West of meddling in his country's internal affairs.

Historical white-red-white flags of Belarus are seen as people attend an opposition demonstration to protest against presidential election results, in Independence Square in Minsk, Belarus August 18, 2020.

© REUTERS / VASILY FEDOSENKO

Mass anti-government protests have been taking place across the republic since 10 August, when early results of the presidential election were announced, showing Lukashenko as the winner with more than 80% of the votes in his favour.