Lukashenko urged citizens to be vigilant because of armed gangs near borders
There are armed gangs near the borders with Belarus, which have not abandoned their plans to seize the territory of the republic; citizens should be more vigilant. This was stated by President of the country Alexander Lukashenko on January 21.
He reminded that these formations are in the field of vision of the Belarusian special services, but urged citizens to assist the state and inform the law enforcers in time in case they notice something extraordinary.
"We are working with them (with gangs. - Ed.), figuratively speaking, they have not given up to seize a piece of land somewhere and put forward conditions to us. This cannot be allowed. Therefore, if something is wrong, give us a hint. Dial the police, someone else, give us a hint. <...> This is the main thing for us today. This is information security, and other issues. We'll try to work in this regard, but with your help," he said while communicating with the employees of Minsk automobile plant. His words are quoted by BelTA agency.
Earlier, January 16, State Secretary of the Security Council of Belarus Alexander Wolfovich said that Belarusian extremists, located abroad and supported by the West, were planning to seize the border area of the country. He also said Ukraine is being used by the West to wage a proxy war with Russia and Belarus.
On December 6, 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Belarusian leader signed a treaty on security guarantees between the two countries. On January 16, 2025, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia was not abandoning its obligations to ensure the security of the republic in light of the spreading reports about Belarusian extremists preparing provocations.
January 3, Lukashenko expressed indignation over the opposition in the West, which urges the population to vote against everyone in the election of the head of state.
Presidential elections in Belarus will be held on January 26. The country's Central Election Commission has registered five candidates to run in the election. Lukashenko is running for a seventh term.
