Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has voiced concerns about possible Russian military movements from Belarus, especially amid upcoming joint military exercises. Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya echoed this sentiment, recalling how prior drills led to military actions against Ukraine. Though she acknowledges the threat, she believes that Belarusian citizens would likely resist engaging in conflict against NATO's Eastern flank, notably the Baltic states. Tsikhanouskaya, living in Lithuania since 2020, underscores the anxious atmosphere regarding Belarus’s military intentions, particularly towards Lithuania, seen as a gateway to the EU.
"Don't forget the last military drills in Belarus ended with the attack on Ukraine," she said, referring to the upcoming Zapad 2021 manoeuvres.
"They might be forced, but it doesn't mean that they will fight there. I hope that people will prefer to escape or change sides, but not fight with the Lithuanians or Poles."
"It is a rather dire atmosphere with all the discussions over possible attacks on Lithuania, because Lithuania will be the first country on the way to the European Union."
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