Lukashenko says again that there are no Belarusian troops in Ukraine

MINSK. March 5 (Interfax) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said he feels offended to see that he is not being completely trusted when he says that Belarus is not involved in the special operation in Ukraine, and if so, Belarusians "should elect a new president."

"You know, I even feel offended sometimes that I have to repeat from day to day that, no, we are such and such, we are squeaky clean and will continue to be such, no, we won't go anywhere, we'll be only defending our land. You know, if you don't hear me, it's time for you to elect a new president," Lukashenko said at a ceremony of signing the results of the nationwide referendum at the Palace of the Republic in Minsk on Friday.

Lukashenko's speech was shown on the STV television channel.

"You have no reasons to worry. We're sealing our state border from Brest to Mozyr with our own forces. The Belarusian army has not been involved and is not planning to be involved in the special operation in any way. Simply because there's no need for that," he said.

"Apart from the stretch from Brest to Gomel, we also have our western and northwestern border. And we must reliably seal it, because if we overlook it there, the people will never forgive us," he said.

"As we are under an unprecedented blow of sanctions, provocations, and information manipulation today, the country needs your understanding, confidence, support, and concentration as never before," he said.

"The formula is well-known, I am repeating it for the fifth time: everyone should do their job. As soon as we start sweating, fasting, and running around in circles, excuse me, we will definitely make some nasty mess in society. And then we're done," he said.