Alexander Lukashenko announced the closure of borders with Lithuania, Poland and “strengthening” the border with Ukraine.

“We are forced to withdraw troops from the streets, put half the army under the gun and close the state border with the West – with Lithuania and Poland,” said the Belarusian president on Thursday, September 16, at a women’s forum “For Belarus”.

In addition, Lukashenko appealed to residents of the three countries to “stop their politicians and prevent them from starting a hot war”.

During his speech, Lukashenko also said that Belarus does not need to recognize the results of the past presidential elections by other countries. He stated that the elections were held and they were legal.

During his speech, Lukashenko also added that his decision was due to the fact that he had to build a common defense of the Union State together with Russian President Vladimir Putin.