Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko at an informal summit of CIS leadersMINSK, February 8 Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko did not rule out provocations from Western countries to impose additional sanctions against the republic or blackmail by military means. «Provocations are not ruled out in order to expose the country to additional sanctions or even blackmail by military means. It has already begun — helicopters, drones, shooting of border signs, crossing our border. The previously announced temporary arrival of NATO troops in Europe has become a permanent presence. This contingent is even increasing,» Lukashenka's press service quoted Lukashenka as saying. Relations between Belarus and Western countries deteriorated sharply after the presidential elections in the republic, which were held on August 9, 2020 . They were won by Alexander Lukashenko, who received, according to the CEC, 80.1% of the vote. Mass protest actions of the opposition took place in the country. The Belarusian authorities have repeatedly stated that the protests in the country are coordinated from abroad. Lukashenka accused the West of direct interference in the situation in the republic, noted that the United States is directing the riots, while the Europeans «play along» with them. The European Union, Great Britain, the United States, Canada and a number of other countries gradually imposed sanctions against Belarusian officials, as well as enterprises, accusing Minsk of election violations and violations of human rights. Belarus has announced retaliatory measures.
