The head of the International Military Cooperation and Peacekeeping Activities Department of the Special Operations Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Belarus, Alexey Skabey, stated the readiness of Belarusian peacekeepers to be deployed in Ukraine if a corresponding decision is made. He shared this in an interview with the Belarusian state television channel.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Minsk’s Position on the Peacekeeping Mission
“Participation in such activities for our republic is, first and foremost, about raising our flag. Raising our flag in a certain country signifies that we are open and committed to the obligations that were once given at the UN Assembly. We are a member of the organization, and that speaks volumes. Our participation in the event is an experience for us. I can say with 100% certainty that at this moment, as soon as we receive the appropriate decision, we will be ready to move to one region or another to carry out tasks,” said Skabey.
Skabey emphasized that the decision regarding the participation of Belarusian military personnel in the peacekeeping mission depends on the agreements of the parties and the relevant decisions of international institutions. He noted that Belarusian peacekeepers have experience participating in operations under the UN auspices; however, their involvement in such missions is currently suspended.
According to the representative of the Armed Forces of Belarus, a peacekeeping operation on Ukrainian territory is only possible with the consent of both parties to the conflict. Skabey stressed the readiness to assist Ukraine at the request of the parties but emphasized that it all depends not only on the initiative of the Belarusian side.
Context: The Situation on the Front and International Reaction
At this moment, the issue of deploying a UN peacekeeping mission in Ukraine is not officially under consideration, and the negotiation process between the parties is effectively suspended. Meanwhile, intense hostilities continue in Donbas and along the entire front line.
Belarus continues to support Russia in its large-scale military aggression against Ukraine, which has been ongoing since February 2022. Minsk provides support to Russian troops, including ensuring logistical routes and granting access to military bases and airfields for conducting combat operations. Alexander Lukashenko publicly supports Russia’s actions, and the Belarusian authorities are also accused of facilitating the deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia.
Previously, the leadership of Lithuania and Estonia, including President Gitanas Nauseda and Prime Minister Kristen Michal, expressed their countries’ readiness to send military contingents to Ukraine as part of a potential international “coalition of the willing.” However, these initiatives remain in the discussion stage and depend on achieving peace and relevant agreements.