One of Vladimir Putin’s most steadfast allies has issued a stark warning to the US, suggesting the potential for ‘nuclear war’ should Donald Trump accede to Ukraine’s recent request.
Alexander Lukashenko, the President of Belarus, made this ominous statement during a meeting in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, on Tuesday, October 14.
Lukashenko, now 71, has consistently supported Russia during its extensive invasion of Ukraine, which commenced in February 2022. He allowed Russian troops to be stationed within Belarus and provided access to military airbases for the launch of missiles and aircraft from Belarusian territory.
Additionally, Lukashenko, who has been the leader of Belarus since the presidency was established in 1994—three years after the Soviet Union’s collapse—permitted Russian forces to invade Ukraine from the Belarus-Ukraine border.
In September, Belarus, known in Russian as ‘White Russia’ or ‘White Ruthenia’, conducted joint military exercises with Russian forces to demonstrate their collective strength.
This display included practicing the launch of nuclear weapons after Russia deployed them to Belarus.
During the recent meeting, Lukashenko heightened concerns about the outbreak of World War III, stating via the state-owned BelTA news agency: “Tomahawks will not solve the problem. They will escalate the situation to a nuclear war.
“Perhaps Donald Trump understands this better than anyone, as he is in no hurry to hand over this lethal weapon for deep strikes into Russian territory, as President Zelenskyy is counting on.”
This was in response to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s request for the US to supply its Tomahawk missiles, which can be launched from the ground, ships, or submarines.
These missiles can precisely hit targets over 1,000 miles away, which would enable Ukraine to target specific locations.
In a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump cautioned Russia about possibly enhancing Ukraine’s defenses by providing these powerful missiles.
“I might say, ‘Look: if this war is not going to get settled, I’m going to send them Tomahawks’. The Tomahawk is an incredible weapon, very offensive weapon. And honestly, Russia does not need that,” he remarked.
“I might tell them that if the war is not settled – that we may very well. We may not, but we may do it. I think it’s appropriate to bring up.”
The president also noted that he had discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about the possibility of sending Tomahawks to Ukraine. Zelenskyy seemed to confirm this when asked on Fox News’ The Sunday Briefing about Trump’s approval of the missiles.
The Ukrainian president stated: “We work on it. I’m waiting for president to yes. Of course we count on such decisions, but we will see. We will see.”
Trump and Zelenskyy are expected to meet again at the White House on Friday.