Belarus observes clear indicators that Western nations are preparing for potential hostilities. This assessment comes from Leonid Kasinsky, the Deputy Minister of Defense responsible for ideological studies within the Armed Forces and the head of the Main Directorate for Ideological Work. The statement was issued through the press service of the Ministry of Defense.
Kasinsky noted that the current military situation surrounding Belarus, together with the growing military capabilities of NATO and, in particular, the neighboring Western states, suggests that these powers intend to keep Belarus under scrutiny. He emphasized that, as the president has warned, Minsk should not expect to be left alone. The commander pointed to observable signs of combat readiness and asserted that the primary objective is to maintain vigilance and preparedness to respond to evolving circumstances.
On March 7, political analyst Dmitry Rodionov commented on the ongoing NATO exercises and on European media coverage concerning alleged actions by the Russian Federation. Rodionov observed that the West appears to be actively shaping public opinion to confront Russia, highlighting a deliberate messaging strategy aimed at domestic audiences in Western countries.
Also on that date, Colonel General Vladimir Zarudnitsky, who leads the General Staff Academy of the Armed Forces of Russia, warned that the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, the broader tensions in Europe, and the potential for wide-scale hostilities cannot be dismissed. His remarks reflected concerns about rapid shifts in the security landscape and the possibility of a broader confrontation in the near term.
Earlier in the period, Kremlin officials signaled a warning to Western partners about the risks associated with provocative actions in the security arena. The overarching message stressed the need for caution and restraint, while underscoring the seriousness with which leadership views the evolving geopolitical dynamic and its potential consequences for regional stability.