Belarussian President concerned by US plans to open military bases in Poland

Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko believes that it is not in Belarus' interests to turn its back on Russia, as Russia has so far not let his country down. Lukashenko made this statement on Wednesday, June 4 in connection with the deployment of anti-aircraft and missile-defence units to the Brest Region in the east of Belarus. The Belarussian president also stressed that he considers the possible transfer of US military bases to Poland and other Eastern European countries 'a threat to the national security and interests of Belarus and Russia.' He believes that such a development 'would a foolish step by the US' as its troops would then fall within the range of Belarussian forces. 'If the US decides to re-deploy its forces close to the Belarussian-Polish border, our country will have to respond appropriately,' Lukashenko said. 'If the situation develops badly for us and a threat arises, we will not just place these troops under tight control, but we will also target them. We will follow everything that happens in Poland,' added the Belarussian leader.

Lukashenko stressed that Belarus intends to cooperate closely with Russia over this problem.