Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not pressuring Belarus to become directly involved in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In an online interview, Lukashenko asserted that Putin’s objectives in the Ukraine situation have been achieved, suggesting that it is now time for diplomatic negotiations to address the crisis. While clarifying that Belarus would respond to external aggression, including potential use of Russian nuclear weapons stationed in Belarus, Lukashenko called for discussions between Kyiv and Moscow, encompassing a range of issues, including the status of Crimea and other disputed Ukrainian territories.
Lukashenko’s Assertion: Putin Achieved Goals in Ukraine Conflict
Lukashenko, a key ally of Putin and leader of a nation bordering Ukraine, Russia, and several NATO countries, revealed his perspective that Putin has attained his desired outcomes in the Ukraine conflict. In the interview, Lukashenko stated that the hostile behavior exhibited by Ukraine towards Russia prior to the conflict is likely to subside following its conclusion. Expressing his belief that negotiations should commence without preconditions, he emphasized the importance of dialogue concerning crucial matters, such as Crimea, Kherson, Zaporizhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk.
“Negotiations should begin without preconditions. This is a classic of any diplomacy. I think so. We need to sit down at the negotiating table and discuss everything. And Crimea, and Kherson, Zaporizhia, Donetsk and Luhansk. Everything there needs to be discussed,” he emphasized.
Belarus President Advocates Diplomatic Talks Over Military Involvement
Lukashenko underscored that Putin has no compelling reason to embroil Belarus directly in the conflict. He dismissed the idea of Belarus becoming a participant in the war unless Ukrainian forces cross the country’s borders. Reiterating Belarus’s commitment to supporting Russia, Lukashenko emphasized that if Ukraine refrains from crossing their borders, Belarus would not participate in the ongoing conflict.
Lukashenko’s Warning: Response to Aggression, Even Beyond Nuclear Weapons
Lukashenko issued a stern warning regarding potential aggression from nearby NATO nations. He affirmed that Belarus would respond swiftly and comprehensively to any threat against its sovereignty, even if it meant utilizing capabilities beyond nuclear weapons. While stating his intention to protect his nation, he also cautioned that Belarus would not hesitate to strike decision-making centers in the event of aggression.
“There can be only one threat – aggression against our country. If aggression against our country starts from Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, we will respond instantly with everything we have. Against Ukraine, if it commits aggression against us – not only nuclear weapons will be used. We have something besides nuclear weapons. And we will not warn you that if you cross the red lines, we will strike at the decision-making centres. This will be done without warning,” Lukashenko asserted.
In the interview, Lukashenko also mentioned the halted contacts between Kyiv and Minsk, indicating that discussions had included the potential involvement of Belarus on Russia’s side, the use of nuclear weapons, and the presence of Wagner Group mercenaries in Belarus. He expressed openness to continuing these dialogues for the sake of finding peaceful solutions.
As tensions continue to simmer in the Ukraine conflict, Lukashenko’s call for diplomatic negotiations serves as a potential avenue to defuse the situation and seek resolutions to the long-standing disputes in the region.
