The war of words with Russia continues.  And rumors that Belarus will join Russia in the war are rampant. All of Europe is increasingly concerned that Putin is planning to involve both Syria and Belarus in a larger effort to attack neighboring countries.

Belarus was used as a staging area for the invasion of Ukraine.  And allowed Russian military convoys and troops easy access to Kyiv from Belarusian territory.  

Its Belarusian air bases are being used by Russian warplanes to attack Ukraine. And Ukraine is being bombarded by rockets from across the Belarusian border.

War of words in Belarus

Belarus dictator Alexander Lukashenko also provides political support for Russia. Belarus voted “No” on the resolution of the UN general assembly condemning the Russian invasion. Russia, Syria, North Korea, and Eritrea also voted No. 

Their state propaganda machine repeats Russia’s talking points and justifications. And the Lukashenko regime continues its pattern of arresting and repressing its citizens who don’t agree with their government. No one is allowed protest against the Ukraine war.

Lukashenko has always openly advocated for the Ukraine invasion. And he continues to lavish praise on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In recent statements, Lukashenko blamed the conflict in Ukraine on the United States.  And speaking of Putin in glowing terms.

“He and I haven’t only met as heads of state, we’re on friendly terms,” he said. “I’m absolutely privy to all his details, as far as possible, both state and personal.”

“Putin is absolutely fit, he’s in better shape than ever,” he said. “This is a completely sane healthy person, physically healthy – he’s an athlete. As they say here – he’ll catch a cold at all our funerals.”

He points to the 1990’s regional wars in which areas like Ukraine broke free as independent entities. 

“While the USSR existed, the world was multipolar and one pole balanced the other,” he said. “Now the reason for what’s happening in the world is unipolarity – the monopolization of our planet by the United States of America.”

Putin’s rhetoric on Thursday pushed Stalinist nostalgia and patriotic themes. And he continued his efforts to boost public support for his “special military operation.”  In his speech, he insists that this war was launched as a defensive measure.

He attacked Ukraine as a “fifth column” of Russian “scum and traitors.”  And says, “The West, collectively, is trying to fracture our society … to provoke a civil conflict in Russia by means of the fifth column.” he said. And adds that “The goal is Russia’s collapse.”

Biden labels Putin “war criminal”

Friday President Biden approved a large increase in military aid to Ukraine.  And when a reporter asked Biden if Putin was a war criminal. Biden said in response “I think he is a war criminal.” 

Biden was highlighting the attacks on civilians operating in Ukraine. Civilians mainly women and children have suffered a large number of losses. And Russian bombs appear to be targeting hospitals and other non-military buildings.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov addressed reporters in Moscow with Putin’s response.

“We hear and see statements that are actually personal insults to President Putin.” 

“Given such irritability from Mr. Biden, his fatigue and sometimes forgetfulness…fatigue that leads to aggressive statements, we will not make harsh assessments, so as not to cause more aggression.”

“We consider unacceptable and unforgivable such rhetoric of the head of state, whose bombs killed hundreds of thousands of people around the world,” Peskov added.