Lukashenko says number of provocations near Belarus's border growing, blames Ukraine, NATO for this

MINSK. Dec 1 (Interfax) - The number of provocative acts near Belarus's borders is growing, and NATO is building up its forces in the neighboring countries, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said.

"All security agencies have recorded a growing number of provocations near the state border. It looks like Ukraine is using any pretext to drag forces of NATO members into the conflict," the First Man's Pool Telegram channel close to the presidential press service quoted Lukashenko as saying at a conference dealing with Belarus's defense on Thursday.

"The recent fall of a Ukrainian missile in Poland's territory confirms this," Lukashenko said.

NATO member states are also building up their military capability near Belarus's borders, he said.

"Thus far, we've been able to deter the potential adversary from using military force against Belarus. Nevertheless, we should be watchful all the time so as to see and not miss - not miss under any circumstances - any indications of immediate preparations for aggression against our country," he said.

Lukashenko called for reviewing what has been done to enhance the country's defense and planning further steps in this direction. "I've always reiterated it and want to say once again: lessons, lessons, lessons. Drawing lessons from what's happening along the perimeter of our Belarus is our crucial task," he said.

Western countries are continuing to build up their military capability, modernizing the infrastructure in countries neighboring Belarus, and increasing the intensity of combat training events, he said.

"All of this is further exacerbating the already complicated military-political situation surrounding our country and the region as a whole," he said.