Putin's Ally, President Lukashenko Claims The West Is Planning To Attack Russia Via Belarus

JAKARTA - Western countries are preparing to attack Russia through Belarus, the country's president who is also an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, claimed on Tuesday.

Speaking to graduates and military officers, President Alexander Lukashenko said he had discussed the alleged plot with President Vladimir Putin.

The warning came as Russia and Ukraine reported attacks on different cities and the European Union agreed to 1 billion euros worth of aid.

"A strategic plan for an attack against Russia is being developed," Lukashenko said, adding that the West would seek to target Russia 'through Ukraine and through Belarus'.

"History repeats itself," he said, referring to the invasion of Russia by Napoleon's forces in 1812 and by Nazi Germany in 1941.

"The events taking place today around Belarus and Russia require our full vigilance and concentration," added President Lukashenko.

President Lukashenko further explained, the West is pushing the world towards a "great war" and says soldiers must "keep the powder dry". He also pointed to NATO's expansion, saying "newly formed crusaders" were "forming an armored fist" against Russia.

Belarus, a key ally of the Kremlin, has become a staging ground for the Russian army in its offensive in neighboring Ukraine.