A number of information and diplomacy measures are being taken in addition to military ones. According to the defense minister, they will allow dragging the matter of the presence of NATO troops near the Belarusian border into the spotlight. “As part of the response to these events individual tactical actions will be taken in this direction by missile and artillery units, air force units, motorized infantry, paratroopers. Joint actions will be taken together with the border service. There are plenty of measures – measures that have been planned in advance and measures authorized by the head of state during today's meeting,” the defense minister added. 

As for military cooperation with Russia, the sides intended to revise the plan for using the regional military taskforce next year. The plan will be adjusted taking into account the evolving situation. Thus, Belarusian and Russian military will perform joint reconnaissance missions due to NATO exercises. “These measures are absolutely adequate to the events taking place in the neighboring territory. They will allow us to respond and keep an eye on the situation and the circumstances,” Andrei Ravkov said. “As for the general public – both international and Belarusian one – it should be aware that the Armed Forces will be able to ensure the peaceful labor and protection of our nation in the course of their day-to-day operations.” 

BelTA reported earlier that on 28 October Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko received a report from State Secretary of the Security Council of Belarus Stanislav Zas, Belarusian Defense Minister Andrei Ravkov, and Chief of the Central Intelligence Office, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Pavel Tikhonov. They informed the head of state about the evolving military and political situation in view of the deployment of NATO forces near the Belarusian border and preparations of NATO countries for the forthcoming exercise. 

“This is certainly an armored fist. We shouldn't downplay it. Yet, 30 tanks and 30 armored vehicles are a ridiculous force against the Belarusian army. We, as I often recall, have carried out four modernization programs of our army, as we were well aware what kind of fists they could create near our borders, and what kind of enemy we could face, God forbid,” said the Belarusian leader. “We were preparing for this. So 30 tanks sound ridiculous for our army. We can even stand back and take no measures in response,” he added. At the same time the head of state pointed out another fact. “Never before have they moved troops from across the ocean so defiantly close to our borders. It has never happened. I think it's a first for Lithuania. It is a precedent. That's my first point. My second point is that naturally we have to respond to such demonstrations. But we have to bear in mind that we shouldn't rattle our arms. We are a peace-loving nation, we do not want a war," the president said.