Lukashenko denies Latvian accusations of armed border incursion

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has denied accusations from Latvia regarding an alleged armed group incursion from Belarusian territory. Lukashenko characterized the incident as a staged media stunt by Latvia intended to secure funding from the European Union.

The incident involved masked individuals who reportedly attempted to force approximately twenty irregular migrants across the border, while also damaging an electrical substation and stealing surveillance cameras. While Belarus denies involvement, a group calling itself ‘Black Rus’ has claimed responsibility for the action via a Telegram video. A member of the group, using the pseudonym ‘Nemano’, stated the attack was a trial phase and threatened further incursions along other NATO border points.