Belarus has supported and will continue supporting its ally by all means. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the statement as he met with heads of the delegations, which participate in the 19th session of the conference of heads of security bodies and intelligence services of the CIS states, BelTA has learned.

Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “It is understandable that [the West criticizes] Russia by referring to Ukraine or something else… But what do we owe to them? What do we owe to NATO? We live a calm and quiet life and don't interfere with anyone. I have recently talked to your colleagues, heads of security agencies from all the leading countries. I asked them directly: ‘What do you want from us? Didn't you know that we and Russia had signed a treaty, that we maintain the tightest military and political cooperation?' They complained about our aid to Russia… I told them we aid Russia and will continue aiding Russia. We say it sincerely. We have never hidden it. It is our union. Since the time I said that we will not allow anyone to shoot Russians in the back across Belarus' territory. We follow this principle. What was unclear about it before the conflict in Ukraine? Everything was clear and understandable.”

The president continued: “And you, 50 countries support Ukraine now. This war stopped being Russia's conflict with Ukraine a long time ago and became a war of Russia against the entire ‘civilized' West. You know they don't deny it. Well, what do you want from us? We support and will support our ally by all means. Just like all the states sitting at this table.”

“They shouldn't complain about us. Our policy is transparent, open and we will always follow this policy. We are forced to defend ourselves and help our allies. This policy will continue from now on,” the head of state concluded.