Comment by the Press Service of the Foreign Ministry in connection with the launch of Ukrainian military drones into the territory of Belarus

On August 9, 2024 a group of strike drones launched from the territory of Ukraine violated the state border of the Republic of Belarus and in this connection was shot down by the air defence forces of our country.

This is a very serious incident that will not be left without a proper international legal and substantive assessment.

These criminal actions radically escalate the situation and represent a dangerous attempt to expand the zone of the current conflict in our region. At the same time, attempts are being made to involve Belarus, which has always been in favour of resolving the crisis and stopping the bloodshed.

The Ukrainian leadership is taking such steps with the apparent complicity or even encouragement of the well-known external players. We strongly urge these parties to come to their senses and put a stop to this.

We appeal to the peoples of neighbouring Europe: in the event of an expansion of the conflict, the fire will spread throughout the region, including to the EU countries. There will be no winners! Calm down your war-oriented politicians!

Due to the danger of the situation and the global risks involved, the Belarusian Foreign Ministry will immediately convey detailed information about the incident to the relevant structures of the United Nations and the OSCE, as well as to the members of international organisations and associations to which the Republic of Belarus is a party. We will also initiate appropriate consultations with our allies and partners, as well as with international organisations.

It goes without saying that Belarus will fully exercise its right to self-defence and respond appropriately to any provocation or hostile action.

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