• Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • DMCA Policy
  • CCPA
  • Medical Disclaimer
Sunday, January 29, 2023
SLC Metro News
  • Home
  • News
  • Business
  • Technology
    • Crytpocurrency
    • Gaming
    • Gadgets
  • Sports
  • Health
  • General
    • Business Services
  • Travel
  • Press Releases
  • Popular
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Business
  • Technology
    • Crytpocurrency
    • Gaming
    • Gadgets
  • Sports
  • Health
  • General
    • Business Services
  • Travel
  • Press Releases
  • Popular
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
Home News

Ukrainian Intel Suggests Belarus Is Prepared To Join Russian Invasion And US Suspends Operations At Embassy – CNN

ukrainian-intel-suggests-belarus-is-prepared-to-join-russian-invasion-and-us-suspends-operations-at-embassy-–-cnn
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Washington (CNN)A Ukrainian government official tells CNN that Ukrainian intelligence indicates Belarusian “readiness to maybe participate directly” in the invasion of Ukraine, “in addition to allowing Russians to use their territory as well as letting them cross the border.”

A second source close to the Ukrainian government told CNN that in addition to the Ukrainian intelligence, the Biden administration has also conveyed to the Ukrainian government that Belarus is preparing to join the Russian invasion.

So far, however, US officials have not seen Belarusian troops “being readied to move into Ukraine” or “that they are moving or are in Ukraine,” a senior US Defense official told reporters Monday, adding that the forces inside Ukraine are Russian.

    The intelligence about Belarus’ potential participation in the invasion sparked fresh concern within the Biden administration. A senior administration official said the White House is watching actions taken by Belarus closely and is prepared to levy more sanctions on the country. In a sign of the escalating turmoil in the region, the US announced Monday that it was suspending operations at its embassy in Belarus.

      The Washington Post first reported that Belarus was preparing to send soldiers into Ukraine, citing a US administration official. The White House declined to comment. CNN has reached out to the US State Department for comment.

        Talks began Monday between Russia and Ukraine near the Belarusian border as Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine enters its fifth day.

        Russia ramps up war efforts in Ukraine as talks begin at Belarus border

        A senior Biden administration official says the White House is watching actions taken by Belarus closely, and is prepared to levy more sanctions on the country amid reports that Belarusian forces could join Russia in its invasion of Ukraine.

          “We’ve said to the extent Belarus continues to aid and abet Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, they will also face consequences,” the senior administration official said. “We’ve already rolled out some of those measures. Those costs will continue to ratchet much higher.” The US Treasury Department issued sanctions against 24 Belarusian individuals and entities last week.

          In announcing the decision to suspend operations at the US Embassy in Belarus, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken cited the “unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces in Ukraine” but did not point to any intelligence regarding potential military action by Belarus. Non-emergency employees and family members will also be permitted to depart the US Embassy in Moscow, Blinken said.

          ‘If it becomes necessary’

          US cutting off Russia's central bank from US dollar transactions

          Belarus President Aleksander Lukashenko said last week that Belarusian troops could join the invasion “if it becomes necessary.”

          “Our troops are not participating in any way in this operation. We’re not going to justify ourselves here about our participation or non-participation in this conflict. I repeat once again. Our troops are not there but if it becomes necessary, if Belarus and Russia need them, they will be there,” Lukashenko said on tape from state news agency Belta’s YouTube channel.

          Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, meanwhile, appealed to Belarusians as “neighbors” on Sunday.

          “Belarusians, this is a referendum for you as well. You decide who you are and whom to become. How you would look in you children’s eyes. How you’d look in each other’s eyes. In your neighbor’s eyes. And we are your neighbors,” he said.

          Zelensky’s office said Lukashenko called the Ukrainian president Sunday to discuss Monday’s meeting.

          “The politicians have agreed that the Ukrainian delegation will meet with the Russian delegation without preconditions on the Ukrainian-Belarusian border, near the Pripyat River,” Zelensky’s office said. “Aleksander Lukashenko has taken responsibility for ensuring that all planes, helicopters and missiles stationed on the Belarusian territory will remain on the ground during the Ukrainian delegation’s travel, meeting and return.”

          Belarus announced Sunday that the country had renounced its non-nuclear status in a referendum that day. According to the Belarus Central Elections Commission, 78.63% of the eligible voting population took part in Sunday’s referendum, of which 65.16% voted in favor of approving a new constitution that will shed the country’s non-nuclear status and give Lukashenko the opportunity to run for two additional terms in office.

            The new constitution could theoretically allow Russia to place nuclear weapons back in Belarus for the first time since the fall of the Soviet Union, when Belarus gave up its stockpile and became a nuclear free zone.

            The amendments and additions to the constitution passed in Sunday’s referendum will come into effect in 10 days’ time, according to Lukashenko’s office.

            CNN’s Hannah Ritchie, Josh Pennington and Ellie Kaufman contributed to this report.

            SLC Metro News

            © 2021 SLC Metro News

            Navigate Site

            • Disclosure
            • Privacy Policy
            • DMCA Policy
            • CCPA
            • Medical Disclaimer

            Follow Us

            No Result
            View All Result
            • Home
            • DMCA Policy
            • Medical Disclaimer
            • Privacy Policy
            • Disclosure
            • CCPA
            • Terms of Use

            © 2021 SLC Metro News

            We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
            Cookie SettingsAccept All
            Manage consent

            Privacy Overview

            This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
            Necessary
            Always Enabled
            Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
            CookieDurationDescription
            cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
            cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
            cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
            cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
            cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
            viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
            Functional
            Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
            Performance
            Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
            Analytics
            Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
            Advertisement
            Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
            Others
            Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
            SAVE & ACCEPT