DISINFO: Ukraine was preparing to attack Belarus before the Russian special military operation
SUMMARY
Even before Russia launched a special military operation, Ukraine was preparing a strike on the territory of Belarus with multiple launch rocket systems. These were deliberate actions of the Ukrainian side.
Since 2020, Ukraine has actually been the first to impose sanctions on Belarus, even before Western countries. The sky was closed, provocations began to be carried out, and militants were trained.
RESPONSE
Disinformation narrative accusing Ukraine of hostile plans toward Belarus, another false pretext to justify Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Claims that Russian actions in Ukraine are not an “invasion” or an “attack” are an attempt to promote the Kremlin’s disinformation narrative that it is carrying out a "special military operation" to "protect" Russians in Donbas.
In fact, on 24 February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on multiple fronts and from Belarus as well.
The article denies the fact that Russia has started an unjustified and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine and its people, and that Belarus is an accomplice in aggression in this war. Belarus has served as a staging post for Russian troops, missiles and aircraft, both before and after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine on February 24.
In January 2022, Belarus hosted large joint military drills with Russia as Western leaders issued increasingly grave warnings of a possible attack on Ukraine. The exercises were extended and then Belarus announced that the Russian troops would remain in the country, citing "the aggravation of the situation" in eastern Ukraine.
Although Lukashenko claims Belarusian troops have not joined the escalating conflict, Russian troops in Belarus have been allowed passage into Ukraine by Belarusian border guards, and Belarus’s air defence and traffic control systems, along with the country’s fueling stations, have also been made available to Moscow. Furthermore, Lukashenko has said his troops will partake in military action “if it is necessary for Belarus and Russia.” Lukashenko confirms that rockets are fired at Ukraine from the territory of Belarus.
On 2 March 2022, the Council of the EU imposed further sanctions on Belarus for its role in the Russian military aggression of Ukraine. The UK and the U.S. Treasury have also imposed similar measures.