Anxiety appears to be spreading among former Soviet republics in the wake of Moscow’s annexation of Crimea.

In an address to parliament Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko warned that Russia was trying to re-establish its full historical weight and that old borders were falling apart in front of their eyes.

“Any geopolitical issues, especially the ones in eastern Europe, will definitely affect us. In this situation we should stand by out most valuable thing – our country’s independence, a holy right to live on our land and choose our own destiny,” said President Lukashenko before parliament.

Lukashenko who has run the ex-Soviet country for almost 20 years, is a close ally of Moscow, but his statement contained a warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin of military resistance should he turn his attention to Belarus.

However Lukashenko normally follows Russia’s line on international issues being heavily dependent upon it for energy and trade.