The Belarusian Ministry of Emergency Situations has begun arming and training its personnel, with the aim to assist defence and internal ministries in case of armed conflict or riots. President Lukashenko's recent push for widespread arms training has added to the tensions. While not directly sending troops to Ukraine, Lukashenko has permitted Russia to use Belarus as a launchpad for its war efforts. Notably, the feared Russian mercenary group Wagner has also started training Belarusian soldiers. With Putin and Lukashenko strengthening their "strategic partnership" during frequent meetings, concerns mount over Belarus' role in the ongoing crisis and what it means for the Ukraine war.
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