Belarus President Lukashenko says he will fight alongside Russia only if Belarus attacks

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated on Thursday he would only order a war with his ally Russia if another country attacked Belarus.

Lukashenko, who has repeatedly denied claims from Kiev and the West that his country could be dragged further into the war in Ukraine on the side of Moscow, also said he planned to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday.

"I am ready to fight with the Russians from the territory of Belarus in only one case: If even one soldier comes onto the territory of Belarus to kill my people," Belta quoted Lukashenko as telling a news conference on Thursday. "If they commit aggression against Belarus, the response will be the most severe, and the war will take on a completely different nature."

Earlier this year, a series of military alliances took place between Belarus and Russia. This situation gave rise to claims that Belarus might be involved in the conflicts.

(Reuters)