Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko: Crimea is now part of Russia, non-recognition will change nothing

MINSK, 23 March (BelTA) – Crimea is now part of Russia, and recognition or non-recognition of this fact will not change anything, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko told reporters on 23 March, BelTA has learnt.

“Crimea, just like Ossetia, Abkhazia and other regions, is not an independent state. Today Crimea is part of the Russian Federation. No matter whether you recognize it or not, the fact remains,” the Belarusian head of state said.

Belarus has already declared its position on the matter. Some say that this position aims at avoiding confrontation with the two states. But Belarus is not going to confront anyone, the President said. 

Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that “nobody demands that Belarus should recognize Crimea and support Russia or make a stand against it”. “I will tell you honestly: nobody demands it from me and from our government, from the Foreign Ministry,” the Belarusian leader said.

The President shared his views on the future development of the situation: “I think the situation will develop the same way de-facto. Whether Crimea will be recognized as a region of the Russian Federation de-jure does not really matter. Everybody recognizes Russia”.

“We are not going to meddle in it. It is bad that the Russian Federation had to resort to these measures,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

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