Belarusian general lashes out at Warsaw over “formalistic” response to offers of engagement

July 16, Pozirk. Maj. Gen. Valeryj Ravienka of Belarus’ defense ministry has described Warsaw’s response to Minsk’s proposal on verification-related talks as “formalistic” rather than a real intention to restore good-neighborly relations, the ministry’s press office reports.

The comment is linked to Minsk’s proposal that the countries’ verification agencies hold talks via telephone or video link, made on June 16, and Warsaw’s reply received a month later.

The Belarusian side reportedly sought direct contacts between military officials both in Belarus and Poland as well as in third countries. Minsk also affirmed readiness “to conduct mutual verification activities in the framework of the existing agreements.”

The Belarusian general, in his comment, made an erroneous claim that tensions in Eastern Europe rises due Poland’s militarization and frequent military drills, also the real source of tension is Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine that prompted NATO to beef up its eastern flank.

Ravienka also accused Poland of “following the instructions of those benefiting from the unleashing of a new military conflict in Europe,” which, in his opinion, may take place in Belarus and Poland.

Belarusian authorities regularly accuse the neighboring European Union countries of militarization and unwillingness to cooperate with Belarus, whose government fully supports Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Belarus plans to host a large-scale exercise involving thousands of Russian troops in September.

Despite Belarus’ involvement in this conflict, which Warsaw sees as a direct threat, Ravienka urged Poland in February to let Belarusian military inspectors visit the country.

Minsk is ready for “a negotiation processes,” visits to military units, information exchange and reciprocal inspections both in Belarus and Poland up to 80 kilometers deep from the shared border, he stressed.

This would enable Belarus to ascertain Poland’s peaceful aspirations, find compromises, establish good neighborly relations and make sure that Poland does not build up forces for an attack on the Union State of Belarus and Russia, Ravienka said.

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