Australia sanctions Belarusian President Lukashenko as Putin's ally warns of World War III

Amid escalations in Russia Ukraine war, Belarus' authoritarian leader has warned that deployment of a Western peacekeeping force in Ukraine could trigger a World War. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who is a major ally to Russia, slammed a Polish proposal to deploy Western forces in war-ridden country and said that situation is ‘very tense’. President Lukashenko on Thursday took tice of Polish administration’s call for Western forces and ted that it could start World War III.

President Alexander Lukashenko, who has allowed his ally Russia to use Belarus' territory to launch an invasion of Ukraine, slammed Poland's offer of a peacekeeping mission made last week, saying “it will mean World War III”.  Speaking about war situation at hand, he said “ situation is very serious and very tense”. comments from Belarus President come after officials from United States and NATO claimed that Russian ally could soon join Kremlin's forces in full-fledged war on eastern European country.

Furrmore, Lukashenko's comment also follows Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement at start of invasion of Ukraine where he warned against “consequences you have never seen in your history” to world. He had said that any foreign interference with Moscow's military action would trigger a heavy response from Moscow. Earlier, several European countries as well as West had issued sanctions against both Russia and its ally Belarus in an attempt to stop ir offence on Ukraine.

Australia imposes sanctions on Lukashenko

Meanwhile, Australia on Friday issued sanctions against Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and members of his family, citing his country’s continuous strategic support to Russia and its military forces. sanctions were placed on Lukashenko along with 22 Russians including senior editors from organisations such as Russia Today, Strategic Culture Foundation, InfoRos and NewsFront. Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs slammed Government of Belarus and said that country was an ally to Russia’s assault on sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

Speaking on sanctions on Lukashenko's family, statement read, "We are also placing sanctions on his son Viktor Lukashenko, who previously held senior national security roles in Belarussian Government, and his wife Galina Lukashenko, First Lady of Belarus."

Attacking Belarus government, Australian ministry said, "it has allowed Russia to fire ballistic missiles from Belarus into Ukraine, enabled transport of Russian military personnel, heavy weapons and tanks into Ukraine, provided refuelling points in Belarus for Russian military aircraft and stored Russian weapons and military equipment." Placing strong sanctions, Australia reiterated its "unwavering" support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and for people of Ukraine.

(With ncy inputs)

(Im: AP)