Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenka has called on citizens to mobilise and put the economy first, warning that the country faces an unpredictable period and that the state will no longer prioritise public comfort over economic performance, Vzglyad reported on April 14.

"We must mobilise now to get through this difficult time. It is an uncertain time. As president, I do not know what to prepare you for," Lukashenka said during a meeting on the development of southeastern Mogilev province, as cited by the Pool Pervogo Telegram channel.

Lukashenka said it was impossible to predict the actions of major world powers and that hard work should become the country's main priority.

He criticised what he called a culture of dependency in Belarusian society, saying citizens had become "too spoiled."

The Belarusian leader said production and economic growth must come before improvements to living conditions.

Only stable and functioning enterprises would provide people with jobs, decent wages and a normal standard of living, he said.

Lukashenka has spoken repeatedly in recent weeks about the need for Belarus to find ways to survive amid what he has described as a global redistribution of power.

He raised the issue during recent talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.