Belarusian mercenaries in Ukraine threatened with retribution

Belarusian mercenaries, who are fighting in Ukraine, have to understand that they can be punished, BelTA learned from Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei.

Vladimir Makei said: “Participation in such conflicts in the capacity of mercenaries is a criminal offence in Belarus. We are getting information about the capture and deaths of a number of Belarusian mercenaries, who are fighting somewhere in Ukraine. In any case these people surely knew what they were attempting to do and that they will be punished according to the relevant wartime laws.”

The official noted that Belarusian citizens had to understand all the risks of participation in combat operations as mercenaries. “I don't know how the situation will unfold later on. As we get official information, we will think [about the extradition of Belarusian mercenaries captured by Russian troops] but in any case these people will not avoid retribution,” Vladimir Makei said.