Moscow to view any attack on Belarus as attack on Russia - Ambassador Babich
MINSK. Oct 22 (Interfax) - Moscow will view any attack on Belarus as an attack on Russia, Russian Ambassador to Belarus Mikhail Babich said.
"It is an important factor for Belarusian partners and anyone plotting something that any attack on Belarus, any military [attack] will be viewed as an attack on Russia," Babich said on the television channel Belarus 1.
He was commenting on the planned deployment of a permanent U.S. military base, the so-called Fort Trump, in Poland.
"Of course, this [the possible deployment of a permanent U.S. base] is a worrisome factor that cannot be neglected," Babich said. Belarus and Russia will act according to the circumstances, he said.
"We have full mutual understanding with the Belarusian partners in this area. We have a regional group of forces every part of which is equipped for defense and retaliation," Babich said.
"Neither Poland nor the adjoining Baltic states, where these bases are being deployed, will benefit from this standoff," he said.
"Belarus is fully protected and can be absolutely calm," he said.
"We are the Union State, we have allied relations, and maintain a common military policy, which guarantees security of our citizens," Babich concluded.