Ukraine's Internal Affairs Ministry calls Russian diplomatic visit to Belarus ’psychological pressure’

Vadym Denisenko
Vadym Denisenko
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"On the one hand, it's a psychological operation against Ukraine, because any visit will raise anxiety in Ukrainian society and trigger psychological reactions in Ukrainians,” Denisenko said.

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“On the other hand, it's kind of pushing Belarus to action.”

According to Denisenko, the sides could have discussed further Belarusian weapon transfers to Russia.

"Starting from June, Belarus has been the major military supplier of Russia," Denisenko noted.

Read also: Ukrainian intelligence warns Russia wants to lure Belarus deeper into war by carrying out terrorist attacks on infrastructure

However, despite a growing presence of Russian troops in Belarus, neither country seems to be preparing to repeat the start of the full-scale war on Feb. 24.

"They are not ready to attack Ukraine's territory," Denisenko asserted.

Shoigu arrived in Minsk on Dec. 3 to hold talks with Lukashenko and Belarusian Defense Minister, Viktor Khrenin.

Read also: Belarus’ Lukashenko has made decision to invade Ukraine under certain conditions, expert says

According to the U.S-based Institute for the Study of War, the visit may be an attempt to place pressure on Belarus to actively support the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine