Lukashenko says Belarus is preparing for war "just in case"

Belarus is preparing for war "just in case", President Alexander Lukashenko said during a visit to the Minsk region, while stressing he does not want his country to enter a conflict.

"We’re preparing for war just in case,” Lukashenko told a group of female journalists during a visit to Smolevichi district to inspect the harvest. “Girls, get ready. If war starts, you’ll be sent to at least gather bread,” he added.

One journalist responded: “We hope it won’t start.”

“I hope so too, but we are preparing just in case,” Lukashenko replied.

Lukashenko had previously said in September 2024 that Belarus needed to strengthen its defense capabilities amid growing global tensions. At the time, he warned that any attack on Belarus would mean the start of a third world war.