Lukashenko Declares He Is Ready to Defend His Country 'with a Tank, APC, and Rifle in Hand'

The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, has declared that he is prepared to defend his country at any cost, stating that if necessary, he will do so 'with a tank, an APC, and a rifle in hand.'

'Under no circumstances should we weaken. Our people will never forgive our negligence. Many have already understood that we have acted firmly in defending our country. Others will realize it. You should not reproach me for defending my country. This is my constitutional duty. And I will protect it, no matter what it costs me. Whether it be with a tank, an APC, or a rifle in hand,' Lukashenko said during a consultation dedicated to legislative improvements, as reported by the TASS agency.

Protests have been ongoing in Belarus for months as opposition figures and their supporters reject the results of the presidential elections held on August 9 last year, in which Alexander Lukashenko was declared re-elected.