Putin Increases Pressure on Lukashenko to Open a “Second Front”

Russia is increasing pressure on Belarus in an effort to use its territory as a staging ground for expanding the war against Ukraine or launching operations against NATO members, The Wall Street Journal reports, citing current and former Russian and European officials.

According to the sources, Moscow wants Belarus to serve as a base for drone launches, open a new front to divert Ukrainian forces from eastern Ukraine, and potentially support hybrid operations targeting NATO countries. The Kremlin is also reportedly using financial leverage to pressure Minsk into closer military cooperation.

Although Russia has deployed tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus and recently held joint military exercises there, analysts say direct Belarusian involvement in the war would run counter to Alexander Lukashenko’s interests. However, they warn that the risk of further escalation and the use of Belarusian territory for new military operations remains significant.