Belarus threatens to close Ukrainian embassy in Minsk

The Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has told Charge d’Affaires of Ukraine Olha Tymush that Belarus may reconsider the desirability of further presence of the Ukrainian diplomatic mission in Minsk.

Source: Belta, a Belarusian state news agency, with reference to the Belarusian Foreign Ministry

Details: Soon after self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko claimed that Ukrainian drones were spotted in Belarus on 10 August, Charge d’Affaires of Ukraine Olha Tymush was summoned to the Belarusian Foreign Ministry.

Tymush was given a "strong protest" and "issued with a relevant note with regard to the breach of the border of the Republic of Belarus by a group of drones launched from Ukraine".

Quote from the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "It was noted in particular that if Ukraine’s diplomatic representation in Belarus cannot prevent such provocations, the Belarusian side will reconsider the desirability of its further presence in Minsk."

Background:

• On 10 August, self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko claimed that "several targets" from Ukraine were shot down over Belarus. He said that Belarus suspects that these were attack drones.
• Later that day, Lukashenko ordered the reinforcement of the grouping of forces in the Gomel and Mozyr tactical areas bordering Ukraine's Kyiv and Chernihiv oblasts.

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