Events

Lukashenko explains Belarus’ role in Russia-Ukraine conflict

An archive photo

MINSK, 19 March (BelTA) - Belarus is not going to get involved in hostilities in Ukraine and will do everything to stop them, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said in an interview with the Japanese TV channel TBS, BelTA has learned.

Aleksandr Lukashenko once again recalled that Belarus and Russia have close relations within the framework of the Union State: "As for our relations and support for Russia in any situation... We are allies. We have concluded appropriate contracts. We have the closest military-political relations. If there is anyone that supports Russia, it is Belarus. Others either take a neutral position or fight on the side of Ukraine."

Developing his thought, the president added that one should not worry about the fact that Belarusians and Russians have found themselves in the same boat, by the will of fate . "We will never betray Russia. Never," he said.

As for the likelihood of Belarus' participation in the Russian operation in Ukraine, the president repeated his thesis: "We are not going to get involved in this war. I have stated this more than once. We will do everything to stop this war."

 “No one has asked us to take direct part in the Russian operation. I said that recently. We will not be able to add anything to this operation. They have enough troops, hardware (it is the same as ours, and even more advanced). Russia will deal with it without Belarus, and without Japan, and without other countries. Russia will solve this problem. The only question is that the people will be suffering. Therefore, it must be stopped. What is going on between kin nations is nothing but madness. Russia understands this, Ukraine does not want to understand,” the head of state said.

In his words, now it is important for everyone to concentrate their efforts on ending the conflict, not on speaking out in favor of any of the sides: “If there is nothing else to do in Japan or in the West, then go ahead, engage in rhetoric of condemnation. We need to work towards ending this war, building the warmest and friendliest relations. Every war is followed by peace, and people eventually forget about it, even about Hiroshima and Nagasaki, although such things are very difficult to forget.”

print version

make home page

add to bookmarks