Belarusian President Lukashenko Says Putin Has Already Achieved His Main Objectives In Ukraine

Belta: Lukashenko: Goals of Russia's SMO met; future Ukraine will not dance to the tune of U.S. 

MINSK, 17 August (BelTA) – The goals of the Russian special military operation have already been fulfilled and the future Ukraine will not dance to the tune of the United States, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said in an interview with Ukrainian journalist Diana Panchenko, BelTA has learned. 

The head of state was asked whether Russian President Vladimir Putin told him under what circumstances he would consider the goals of Russia's SMO fulfilled.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Lukashenko claims Putin has achieved his goals in war against Ukraine (Ukrainska Pravda)  

Update #2: Putin Has Already Achieved Main Objectives In Ukraine, Lukashenko Says (Zero Hedge)  

WNU Editor: It is hard to believe anything that Lukashenko says. On the one hand he is saying Russia has acheived its goals, and on the other hand he is issuing nuclear war threats .... Belarus would use nuclear weapons in the event of 'aggression,' Lukashenko says (CNN).

Speculation Growing That Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko Is Severely Ill

Alexander Lukashenko (centre) looked visibly tired during last week's Victory Day parade in Moscow, and his right hand was bandaged  

BBC: Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko misses event, fuelling health rumours 

Belarus' leader Alexander Lukashenko has missed a major state celebration, further fuelling health speculation. 

The autocratic politician, 68, usually speaks publicly at the annual National Flag, Emblem and Anthem Day event but his prime minister read a message on his behalf on Sunday. 

Last week, Mr Lukashenko left Moscow soon after Victory Day parade, skipping lunch with President Vladimir Putin. Mr Lukashenko looked visibly tired, and his right hand was bandaged. 

He was last seen in public laying flowers in the capital Minsk during Belarus' own Victory Day celebrations on 9 May - a few hours after returning from the Russian capital.  

Read more .... 

Speculation Growing That Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko Is Severely Ill

Belarus PM replaces Lukashenko at ceremony, sparks speculation -- Reuters  

Belarusian Leader Skips Official Event Amid Rumors Of Hospitalization -- RFE  

Speculation about Lukashenko's health, after Belarus president missing in action since last Tuesday -- Euronews 

Russian State Duma confirms information on Lukashenko's illness -- Ukrayinska Pravda 

Kremlin says to rely on ‘official information’ about health of Alexander Lukashenko, who hasn’t appeared in public since May 9 -- Meduza 

Belarusian Opposition Says Be 'Prepared' Amid Rumors That Lukashenka Is Ill -- RFE

Belarus Air Base Attacked. Russian A-50 Mainstay Airborne Early Warning And Control Aircraft Attacked

Beriev A-50U Mainstay. (Russian MoD)

Now this is big. Belarusian Partisans reportedly blew up a Russian A-50 early warning and control aircraft at Machulishchy airfield near Minsk. According to the BYPOL initiative, the front and central parts of the plane, avionics and radar antenna were damaged. pic.twitter.com/IGFAx00973

— Tadeusz Giczan (@TadeuszGiczan) February 26, 2023

Warzone/The Drive: Claims Swirl Around Supposed Strike On Russian A-50 Radar Jet In Belarus  

One of Russia’s most prized military aircraft, an A-50 Mainstay, is claimed to have been struck at its forward base in Belarus. 

There has been quite the buzz this Sunday on social media about a supposed attack on a Russian A-50 Mainstay airborne early warning and control aircraft that is forward deployed to Machulishchy Air Base south of Minsk, in Belarus. 

We cannot confirm that this attack actually happened or the nature of the damage, if any, to the A-50 — the type has been a staple at the base throughout the war. But if it did occur, it would be a significant loss for the Russian Air Force and, depending on how it was carried out, it could be a sign of a developing front and what's to come in the now year-old war. 

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: There are only 9 (now 8) A-50 Mainstay airborne early warning and control aircraft in the Russian fleet. On social media there are reports that another Belarus air base was attacked, and that there have been clashes on the Belarus - Ukraine border where one Belarusian soldier was killed.

Russian A-50 Mainstay Airborne Early Warning And Control Aircraft Attacked  

Russian A-50 AEW&C Attacked In Belarus; Was Ukraine’s ‘Mystery Drone’ Behind The Bombing? -- EurAsian Times  

Belarusian partisans claim responsibility for blowing up important Russian plane at Belarus air base -- EuroWeekly  

Opposition group: Explosion at Belarusian military airfield damaged Russian aircraft in reported partisan attack -- Kyiv Independent  

Russian plane destroyed near Minsk airfield: Belarus opposition -- Al Jazeera

Russia Sends More Troops To Belarus

In this handout photo taken from video released by the Russian defence ministry on December 28, Russian troops take part in drills at an unspecified location in Belarus [File: Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP]  

Al Jazeera: Russia sends more troops to Belarus as fears of new attack grow  

Ukraine says Belarus could be used as a staging post by Moscow for an offensive from the north, opening up a new front. 

A train carrying Russian troops and equipment has arrived in Belarus amid concerns that Moscow could use its ally’s territory to attack Ukraine from the north. 

The Belarusian defence ministry confirmed the arrival of the contingent on Friday and said President Alexander Lukashenko had visited a military base where Russian troops are already stationed. 

During the meeting, Lukashenko and an unnamed representative from the Russian army discussed the two countries’ joint military drills, it said. 

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Ukraine is beefing up its defenses on the Belarus border (see video below): 

 

Russia Sends More Troops To Belarus  

Lukashenko visits Russian troops stationed in Belarus -- Reuters 

Lukashenko visits Russian troops in Belarus: We are doing a common thing -- Ukrayinska Pravda  

Russia and Belarus beef up joint military grouping, plan drills -- Euronews  

Belarus to conduct air force drills with Russia -- SKY News

Is Full Mobilization Of All Males About To Take Place In Belarus?

#Belarus The announcement at the Barysau bus station: “All male citizens from 18 to 60 years old must come to an enlistment office or village executive committee to clarify their data.”

What on earth is that? pic.twitter.com/H4NgSJsj2p

— Hanna Liubakova (@HannaLiubakova) January 4, 2023

Newsweek: Belarus Sign Calls For 'All Male Citizens' To Attend Enlistment Office 

A video of an electronic announcement at a bus terminal in Belarus calling for males of military age to go to an enlistment center has led to speculation over whether mobilization could take place in the country whose leader is Vladimir Putin's close ally. 

The appeal appears on digital signage hanging on the first-floor balcony of the waiting room at the transport hub in the city of Barysau (Barysaw), located in the Minsk region, around 45 miles northeast of the capital city.

The appeal appears on digital signage hanging on the first-floor balcony of the waiting room at the transport hub in the city of Barysau (Barysaw), located in the Minsk region, around 45 miles northeast of the capital city. 

The digital text in Russian rolling across the screen says, "all male citizens from 18 to 60 years old must come to an enlistment office or village executive committee to clarify their data."  

Read more .... 

Update: WATCH: Belarusian citizens reportedly being called to military enlistment offices after Russian aircraft spotted leaving Belarus (Euroweekly)  

WNU Editor: Belarus has been undergoing a number of exercises in the past few months. They have also been telling all males to register at a recruitment office on where they live, how they can be contacted, etc.. I think (and hope) this is what this message is all about. 

 Update #2: The snowman in this video from Belarus has the right idea (see below)

Will Belarus Join The Russia - Ukraine War?

Daily Mail: Has Putin forced Belarus to enter Ukraine war? Lukashenko's military vehicles have red square 'war signs' painted on, mimicking Russia's 'Z' symbols 

* Belarus ordered snap 'combat readiness' checks on its armed forces this week  

* Armoured vehicles since spotted with 'war markings' to help drivers distinguish friend from foe in actual combat – similar to Russian 'Z' symbol  

* Fears are growing Belarus could soon join war in Ukraine to help ally Putin  

Fears that Belarus could soon be forced to join the Ukraine war are growing after military vehicles were seen with 'combat symbols' painted on them.  

State TV footage of armoured vehicles taking part in snap 'combat readiness' drills near Ukraine's borders showed they have red squares painted on them, which would allow drivers to recognise each-other during actual combat.  

Vladimir Putin also ordered military drills near Ukraine's borders with 'Z' markings appearing on Russian tanks just before he ordered a full-scale invasion in February.    

Read more ....  

Update #1: Belarus holds rapid deployment and combat readiness drills near Ukraine border (Euromaidan Press)  

Update #2: Ukrainian forces are bracing for the possibility of another Russian invasion via Belarus: 'We have to be ready' (Insider)  

WNU Editor: A lot of these current exercises being conducted by Belarus are being held near the Ukraine - Polish border. But if Belarus should decide to enter the war directly, they do not have the manpower or resources to make a difference.

Belarus Conducting Large Scale Exercises Near The Ukraine Border

Reuters: Belarus puts southern military unit on alert in large-scale readiness exercise 

(Reuters) - Russia's close ally Belarus announced a snap military inspection on Tuesday including increased combat readiness in the south of the country, the latest in a burst of exercises that have prompted concern from neighbouring Ukraine. 

A flurry of Belarusian military action, including a counter-terrorism exercise last week, has kept Ukraine guessing about Minsk's intentions and raised concerns in Kyiv that it might join the war on Russia's side. 

Russia and Belarus are formally part of a "union state" and are closely allied economically and militarily. 

In a video statement published by the Belarus Defence Ministry, Alexander Volfovich, state secretary of the Security Council, said the checks would encompass practically all Belarus's operational commands, but initially units that would be the first to respond to any escalation "either on the Belarus border or within the country".  

Read more .... 

Belarus Conducting Large Scale Exercises Near The Ukraine Border  

Belarus moves troops to Ukrainian border -- Defence Blog  

Defense Minister says Ukraine is preparing for possible Russian invasion from Belarus -- CNN  

Belarus begins snap combat readiness drills -- New Voice Of Ukraine  

Belarus is suddenly checking combat readiness of its armed forces -- Ukrayinska Pravda

Belarus Foreign Minister Has Died Suddenly At 64

 

ABC News Australia: Belarus' foreign minister, Vladimir Makei, dies aged 64 but cause of death unknown 

Belarus' foreign minister, Vladimir Makei — a longtime associate of authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko — has died suddenly, aged 64. 

Belarusian authorities did not name the cause of death and Mr Makei was not known to suffer from any chronic illness.

 Prior to becoming foreign minister in 2012, Mr Makei served as Mr Lukashenko's chief of staff and, earlier, had worked as presidential adviser. 

Mr Lukashenko offered his condolences to Mr Makei's family, according to the presidential office.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Belarus’ top diplomat, ally to president, dies at 64 (AP)  

Update #2: Belarus Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei dies at 64, officials say (CNN)  

WNU Editor: Some Western sources are speculating that he was assassinated on orders from the Kremlin .... Belarus minister who acted as secret go-between with the West 'WAS killed by Kremlin assassins' and 'shaken' dictator Lukashenko now fears for his life, reports claim (Daily Mail). 

I see no evidence to indicate that he was murdered. In Belarus he was always regarded as a close ally to Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, and a friend to Moscow. 

World Bank Puts Loans To Belarus In 'Nonperforming' Status

Reuters: World Bank Cites Overdue Payments, Puts Loans to Belarus in 'Nonperforming' Status 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The World Bank said on Monday it had placed all loans made by its main lending arm to Belarus into "nonperforming" status effective immediately, citing overdue payments amounting to $68.43 million. 

All International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) loans to, or guaranteed by, Belarus were affected, the bank said. The bank stopped all programs in Belarus on March 2, and has not approved new lending to the country since May 2020. 

 It said Belarus' outstanding principal of $967 million amounted to 0.42% of IBRD’s total outstanding loans. Being placed in nonperforming status results in a charge to income of about $12.75 million, it said.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Belarus has not received any new loans since 2020.

Belarus President Lukashenko Orders His Soldiers To Join Russian Forces On The Western Borders

 

Moscow Times: Belarus Says Forming Joint Military Group with Russia 

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said Minsk and Moscow have agreed to deploy a joint regional group of military forces in response to alleged “aggravations” on Belarus’ western border, Belarusian state media reported Monday. 

"Given the worsening of the situation on the western borders of the Union State, we agreed to deploy a regional group of forces of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus,” the long-serving Belarusian leader said during a meeting with security officials, according to the state Belta news agency.  

Read more ....  

WNU editor: This has the look of a new front being prepared to attack Ukraine. And it looks like Belarus - Ukraine border skirmishes are already happening .... Ukraine Reports Strikes From Belarus After Lukashenko Warns of Attack (Newsweek).  

Update: Another disturbing development (if true) .... Belarus accuses Ukraine of blowing up border bridges (RT).  

Belarus President Lukashenko Orders His Soldiers To Join Russian Forces  

Belarus and Russia to deploy joint regional military group -- DW  

Belarus’s Lukashenko announces troop deployments with Russia amid escalations in Ukraine -- The Hill  

Russian troops to assemble in Belarus as Alexander Lukashenko threatens Ukraine -- ABC News Australia  

West is pushing Ukraine towards war with Belarus — Lukashenko -- TASS  

Belarus, Russia begin deploying joint group of forces, says Lukashenko -- TASS  

Belarus announces troop deal with Russia -- RT 

Putin, Lukashenko Agree on Deployment of Joint Regional Grouping of Forces -- Sputnik  

Russia pushing for Belarus to enter war - Ukraine intel -- Jerusalem Post  

Belarus formally accuses Ukraine of planning attack on its territory -- News 360

Belarusian President Lukashenko Says Country's Warplanes Can Now Carry Nuclear Weapons

Belarus's authoritarian ruler, Alexander Lukashenko, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on June 25, when Putin said Moscow would supply Belarus with Iskander-M missile systems  

Daily Mail: Belarus dictator Lukashenko says his warplanes have been modified to carry NUKES and 'targets have been selected' if the US and the West 'provoke' him 

* Belarusian President says country's warplanes can now carry nuclear weapons 

* He said the aircraft modification followed meeting with Vladimir Putin in June 

* He warned 'targets have been selected' for retaliation if West provokes Belarus 

* Belarus is as close ally of Russia and has been used as a base for Ukraine invasion

Belarus's warplanes have been upgraded to carry nuclear weapons, the country's authoritarian leader President Alexander Lukashenko has said, adding it has 'selected targets' in the West if provoked. 

President Lukashenko, a staunch ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, warned the US and its allies against carrying out a 'provocation' against Belarus. 

He said the aircraft modification followed his meeting with Putin in June, when he offered to make Belarusian combat aircraft nuclear-capable at Russian factories and to help train pilots.  

Read more .... 

Belarusian President Lukashenko Says Country's Warplanes Can Now Carry Nuclear Weapons  

Belarus leader says his warplanes have been modified to carry nuclear weapons -- Reuters  

Leader says Belarusian warplanes made ready to carry nukes -- AP  

Lukashenka Says Belarusian Military Planes Ready To Carry Russian Nuclear Armament -- RFE  

Putin Boosted Belarus' Ability to Carry Nuclear Weapons, Lukashenko Says -- Newsweek  

Lukashenko says Belarus warplanes modified to carry nuclear arms -- Al Jazeera

Belarus Military Intelligence Chief Says US Is Making Plans For A Direct War Against Russia

Deputy chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Belarus, Major General Ruslan Kosygin 

RT: US eyes direct war with Russia – Belarus  

The US wants to launch attacks from Poland and the Baltic states, military intelligence chief claimed  

The US is making plans for a direct war against Russia and its ally Belarus, the head of Belarusian military intelligence warned on Thursday. The scenario is becoming more likely as the proxy war in Ukraine and other ways to hurt the two nations are failing, he claimed. 

“The territory of Poland as well as the Baltic states is being turned into a staging ground, from which the US plans to unleash a new bloody conflict in Europe, targeting the Russian Federation and its allies,” 

Major General Ruslan Kosygin said.  

Read more ....  

Update: Belarusian Intelligence Head Claims U.S. And NATO Preparing For War With Russia And Belarus (Ukrainian News)  

WNU Editor: Ukraine media is saying that Belarus wants to attack Poland .... Belarus is already directly threatening to attack Poland in the event of "Western provocations" (Ukrayinska Pravda).

Belarus President Lukashenko Says A ‘Cleansing’ Is Coming For Europe

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Russian President Putin  

Daily Beast: Putin Pal Drops Menacing Hint: a ‘Cleansing’ Is Coming for Europe 

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s key ally Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has started hinting at what may be next in Russia’s war, and it doesn’t sound pretty. Lukashenko claimed this weekend that he thinks it’s time for Europe to face a “moral cleansing.”

“The time has come for the forgetful Europe to give itself a moral cleansing,” Lukashenko said, without going into further detail about what that would entail, according to BelTA.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: I would not read much into what Lukashenko is saying. He is only channeling what Putin has been saying about how much the world is changing, and the decline of the West as the world becomes multi-polar. Lukashenko also has a history of being a little bombastic when under stress, and there has been a lot of stress.

Belarus Announces Military Exercises To Test Combat Readiness

 

FOX News: Ukraine says it is 'ready' as Belarus suddenly announces military exercises to test combat readiness 

Ukraine is vowing Wednesday that it’s "ready" after its northern neighbor Belarus – which Russia used as a springboard for its invasion – announced military exercises to assess the combat readiness of their armed forces. 

The Belarusian Defense Ministry said the exercises that began Wednesday would also be used to assess their military’s ability to operate on "unknown terrain in a rapidly changing situation." 

"We do not rule out that the Russian Federation could at some point use the territory of Belarus, the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus, against Ukraine," said Andriy Demchenko, spokesperson for Ukraine's State Border Service, according to Reuters.  

Read more .... 

Belarus Announces Military Exercises To Test Combat Readiness  

Ukraine says it is 'ready' if Belarus joins Russian war effort -- Reuters  

Belarus Prepares Troops as Ukraine Fears Putin Will Declare All-Out War -- Newsweek  

Belarus Launches 'Surprise' Military Maneuvers -- Moscow Times/AFP

Belarus President Says They Will Fight By Russia's Side If Ukraine War Starts

The presidents of Russia and Belarus, Vladimir Putin (R) and Alexander Lukashenko (L). © Sergei Savostyanovb/TASS 

Sputnik: Lukashenko: Belarus and Russia to Respond Together if Ukraine Starts War Against Donbass 

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said Sunday that his country would coordinate a joint response with Russia if Ukraine started a war against Donbass. 

Asked on the show "Soloviev Live" how Belarus would respond to an offensive by Ukraine Lukashenko said, "in the same way as Russia". 

Asked whether the answer would be coordinated with Moscow, he replied, "naturally". Lukashenko said that Belarus would not export fuel or electricity to Ukraine if Kiev's behaviour led to a war with Russia.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Lukashenko warns Belarus will go to war if Russia is attacked (Politico.eu) 

Update #2: Lukashenko Vows Belarus Will Fight By Russia's Side If Ukraine War Starts (Zero Hedge)  

WNU Editor: The U.S. has issued warnings and threats to Belarus to stay out .... US warns Belarus: War against Ukraine could end Lukashenko regime (Washington Examiner). More here .... US threatens Belarus with military move (RT).

Was The Belarus Rail System Hacked To Stop The Russian Military Buildup?

Belsat.eu  

Ars Technica: Hactivists say they hacked Belarus rail system to stop Russian military buildup 

If confirmed, the attack would be one of the first times ransomware has been used this way. 

Hacktivists in Belarus said on Monday they had infected the network of the country’s state-run railroad system with ransomware and would provide the decryption key only if Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko stopped aiding Russian troops ahead of a possible invasion of Ukraine. 

Referring to the Belarus Railway, a group calling itself Cyber Partisans wrote on Telegram: 

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: I am sure the Belarusian authorities and the Russian military found a way to avoid these compromised computer networks. 

Afterall. 

The Russian military is not buying train tickets for its soldiers, and the signal stations will probably be managed manually for these trains. 

But this cyber attack is a major inconvenience, and it showcases how cyber warfare if properly targeted  can disrupt critical troop and military hardware shipping.

Hat tip to David for the Ars Technica link..

EU, UK, US, Canada Impose New Sanctions On Belarus

 

DW: EU, UK, US, Canada issue coordinated sanctions against Belarus regime 

The European Union, United States, United Kingdom and Canada have issued further sanctions on the regime of Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko. 

Western nations unveiled a new series of sanctions against Alexander Lukashenko's regime in Belarus on Thursday. 

The United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom and Canada all imposed sanctions on people and entities close to the Belarusian strongman. 

In a joint statement, they said the sanctions were in response to "continuing attacks on human rights and fundamental freedoms in Belarus, disregard for international norms and repeated acts of repression."  

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: Belarus says it will retailiate .... Belarus Threatens 'Harsh' Response After EU And Allies Expand Sanctions (RFE). 

EU, UK, US, Canada Impose New Sanctions On Belarus

U.S., EU, U.K. and Canada impose new sanctions on Belarus to keep pressure on Lukashenko -- Axios  

US and allies impose new sanctions on Belarus over migrant crisis and ongoing human rights abuses -- CNN  

U.S., allies ratchet up the economic pressure against Belarus -- Reuters  

US, allies impose more sanctions on Belarus -- The Hill  

US, EU, UK and Canada announce new sanctions on Belarus -- Al Jazeera

Belarus Clears Migrant Camps From Polish Border. First Repatriation Flight Leaves For Iraq

 

CNN: Belarus clears migrant camps at border as first repatriation flight leaves for Iraq 

(CNN)Makeshift migrant camps at a checkpoint on the Belarus-Poland border, where thousands had amassed in recent weeks, were cleared by Belarusian authorities on Thursday, ending a months-long standoff that has ratcheted up tensions in the region. 

The move comes just two days after a dramatic flare-up in violence between migrants, who tried to breach the razor-wire border fence. Polish officers responded with a volley of water cannons and tear gas. Belarusian border guards have moved all remaining migrants from the Bruzgi-Kuźnica crossing to a nearby warehouse, which has been converted into an ad hoc processing center.  

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: Belarus has decided that there is nothing to gain frmo these migrants. I would not be surprised if most of these migrants are back in the Middle East by next week. 

More News On Belarus Clearing Migrant Camps From The Polish Border  

Belarus says camps on Polish border have been cleared of people -- The Guardian  

Belarus moves migrants and refugees away from Polish border -- Al Jazeera  

Belarus clears migrant camps at Poland border -- Axios 

Plane Returning Migrants From Belarus Lands in Iraq -- New York Times

EU Agrees To Imposes More Sanctions On Belarus

 

The Guardian: EU agrees new sanctions against Belarus over border crisis 

Sanctions to target ‘people, airlines, travel agencies and everyone involved in this illegal push of migrants’ 

The EU has agreed on new sanctions against Belarus targeting “everyone involved” in facilitating the transport of people to Belarus’s border with Poland, where thousands are stuck in makeshift camps in freezing weather. 

The EU accuses Alexander Lukashenko’s regime of waging a “hybrid attack” against the bloc by allowing people from the Middle East who are desperate to reach the EU to fly into Minsk then head for the Polish border. 

Josep Borrell, the EU foreign policy chief, said the decision by 27 EU foreign ministers reflected “the determination by the European Union to stand up to the instrumentalisation of migrants for political purposes”.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: EU agrees new framework for Belarus sanctions (DW)  

Update #2: EU agrees new sanctions on Belarus as border crisis deepens (Al Jazeera)  

WNU Editor: Baltic leaders want more .... Baltic leaders urge EU to 'hold Belarus accountable for human trafficking' (Euronews). But in the end these new sanctions IMHO will not make much of a difference .... Will fresh EU sanctions on Belarus make a difference? (DW).

Belarrus President Wants Russian Nuclear Capable Missiles

Lukashenko told the National Defence magazine that he needed the Iskander mobile ballistic missile system, which has a range of up to 500 kilometres and can carry either conventional or nuclear warheads. Pictured: A quasi ballistic missile is loaded into a a Iskander-M missile launcher during a military exercise held by Russian military (2016, file photo) 

Daily Mail: Now Lukashenko wants Russian nukes: Putin tries to play down Belarussian dictator's wild threats made 'out of anger' as he asks for 'several divisions' of the Red Army's nuclear-capable missiles 

* Earlier on Saturday, Putin suggested he was growing frustrated with the Belarusian strongman after Lukashenko threatened on Thursday to retaliate against any new European Union sanctions against Minsk 

* The EU is preparing to sanction Belarus over the growing migrant crisis at the Poland-Belarus border 

* Footage released this morning shows how Polish troops were blinded by Belarus troops with lights and lasers 

* Polish troops were trying to shore up the border fence between Poland and Belarus amid the migrant crisis 

* Hours earlier, Belarusian troops destroyed parts of a 120 miles of barbed wire fence between the try countries 

* Western allies have accused Belarus's leader Alexander Lukashenko of sending thousands of migrants into EU 

* Speaking on Saturday, Britain's Britain's most senior military officer warned that there is a greater risk of an accidental war breaking out between the West and Russia than at any time since the Cold War 

* Also on Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia has nothing to do with the migrant crisis 

Belarus wants Russian nuclear-capable Iskander missile systems to deploy them in the south and west of the country, President Alexander Lukashenko said in an interview with a Russian defence magazine published today. 

Russia is a close ally of Belarus, which the European Union has accused of engineering a crisis on its border by flying in thousands of migrants and pushing them to try to cross illegally into Poland. 

However, the publication of the interview comes after Russia's President Vladimir Putin suggested he was growing frustrated with the Belarusian strongman after Lukashenko threatened on Thursday to retaliate against any new European Union sanctions against Minsk over the migrant standoff by restricting Europe's gas supply.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Belarus leader says he wants Russian nuclear-capable missile systems (Reuters)  

Update #2: Lukashenko Says Wants to Acquire Russian Iskander Missiles (Sputnik)  

WNU Editor: This dictator is mad. Fortunately the Kremlin is not going to give him that type of weaponry.