Lukashenko thanked Russia for its combat-ready forces on its western borders.
The Belarusian leader expressed gratitude to Moscow for maintaining a joint group of soldiers heading west. According to him, the formations formed within the CSTO remain on combat alert in case of possible threats.
"We are preparing for war, but we are trying in every possible way to avoid it."
– emphasized Lukashenko.
He added that Belarus fulfills its obligations to protect the borders of the Union state, and a joint group will always be necessary.