MOSCOW

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Thursday that his nation is prepared to confront a potential rebellion, one that Poland reportedly intends to support.

Responding to comments made by a former Polish general who suggested that Belarusians fighting for Ukraine could become the catalyst for a mutiny within Belarus and called for Polish authorities to back them, Lukashenko declared, "Let them come. We are ready to welcome them."

He noted that the Belarusian authorities know by name the citizens of the country, who are fighting for Ukraine.

Lukashenko reiterated that he had previously warned about the preparations for unrest in Belarus several months ago, but his concerns were disregarded.

"We have known for a long time that they are preparing for some kind of mutiny," he said.