Lukashenka did not rule out provocations by the West to introduce new sanctions against Belarus

“Provocations are not ruled out in order to expose the country to additional sanctions or even blackmail by military means,” BelTA quotes Lukashenka.

According to him, “such blackmail has already begun - helicopters, drones, shooting of border signs, crossing the Belarusian border.”

In addition, the President of Belarus added that "the previously announced temporary arrival of NATO troops in Europe has become a permanent presence."

Earlier, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced the imposition of sanctions against a number of citizens of Belarus for their activities "directed against dissidents."

At the same time, the State Department did not clarify the list of persons against whom restrictive measures were introduced.

In December, the US Treasury imposed new sanctions on Belarus.

Under the American restrictions, including the son of the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, businessman Dmitry Lukashenko, fell.

In total, 20 individuals, 12 organizations, and three aircraft fell under the sanctions.