Belarus leader seeks Russian defense guarantee against potential attacks.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has asked for security guarantees from Russia, stating that Moscow would defend his country if it was attacked. Lukashenko had previously discussed the matter with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who agreed that such security guarantees were necessary and needed to be formalised. Belarus has offered assistance to Moscow during its military campaign in Ukraine, and speculation has arisen that Belarus may formally join a new attack on Ukraine. Lukashenko has consistently denied such intentions but has said that Belarus will respond to any incursions onto its territory or attempts to foment unrest.