The armed forces of the Republic of Belarus have refused to take part in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, shutting down the door for Belarus to join Russia’s invasion of its neighboring country.
“The possibility of involving the armed forces of the Republic of Belarus in the war against Ukraine on the side of the Russian Federation exists. But, according to available information, a large number of personnel and some commanders refuse to participate in occupation against our state,” the Defense Ministry of Ukraine said, according to Ukrinform.
However, the news outlet notes, the political leadership of Belarus continues to provide full support to Russian troops in the use of airfield and transport networks, which makes them complicit in crimes against the Ukrainian people.
The news comes as U.S. President Joe Biden departs on one of the highest-stakes presidential trips in recent memory, a moment for the US President to assume leadership of a newly united West.
It also comes as Western leaders struggle to find ways to halt Russian dictator Vladimir Putin’s atrocities in Ukraine.
