«If they are ready to return to some form of verification and early warning measures, we will not stand in the way, of course, we will be ready to do that,» Maxim Ryzhenkov said when asked about potential practical steps in relations with NATO countries as part of efforts to shape a new security architecture in Eurasia.

According to the minister, Minsk did not initiate the dismantling of previously existing channels for dialogue, notification and military restrictions, including those established within the OSCE and through bilateral arrangements. 

Maxim Ryzhenkov placed responsibility for dismantling these instruments on Western countries, saying that they had sought to expand the options for using weapons and involve more countries in the use of strategic weapons.

Belarusian minister also noted that restoring such mechanisms could reduce the risks of military incidents and increase mutual predictability. He stressed that even limited early warning and verification measures would allow the parties to better understand each other’s actions and gain greater confidence that particular steps were not directly aimed against them.