Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko describes Putin's New START proposal as ‘brilliant Initiative’

25 сентября, Москва /Корр. БЕЛТА/. MOSCOW, 25 September (BelTA) – It is a brilliant initiative, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he commented on the proposal by Russian President Vladimir Putin to extend the New START Treaty for a year on the sidelines of the Global Atomic Forum in Moscow on 25 September, BelTA has learned.

Elaborating on the topic, he highlighted Russia's consistent policy and drew a parallel with the forum's theme, which focused on the development of nuclear energy, including Russia's readiness to share its advanced technologies in this field. “I spoke about the atom today. Everyone is criticizing us: calling us aggressors, co-aggressors, this and that... But we, primarily the Russian Federation, are offering the world: here is peaceful nuclear energy, let's develop it; here are peaceful technologies, use them. The same goes for the New START Treaty," the Belarusian leader pointed out. “No matter how much we talk here about various conflicts (it's bad, people are dying), but God forbid we fail to solve the problem you mentioned [regarding the New START Treaty]… There will be trouble then. And at this moment, Russia is extending a hand to everyone: let's negotiate. If you can't do it today, let's extend the treaty for a year and then reach an agreement.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized that he was very pleased to hear Vladimir Putin’s proposal and fully supports it. “This pushes back the prospect of a global war,” the Belarusian head of state is convinced.

In this context, journalists made a clarifying remark that resolving the issue crucially depends on support from U.S. President Donald Trump. They also asked a follow-up question about the advice that Aleksandr Lukashenko could give to the U.S. leader. “I will certainly do that," the Belarusian president replied. “Thankfully, I have such an opportunity.”

The head of state noted that he had heard Donald Trump's speech at the UN General Assembly in New York. It provides a good characterization of the U.S. president's personality and allows for an assumption regarding his response to the New START Treaty.

“Trump, as a rebel in the good sense of the word and a revolutionary, will unequivocally support this initiative,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “Besides, Trump has a large family. I like it that he loves his family, values his family, values children, and he knows what a global confrontation and war could lead to.”

Moreover, Donald Trump himself has stated that during his current presidency, he has managed to stop seven wars. This also characterizes him as a personality and a politician who is committed to peaceful resolution. “He is doing everything to prevent this [potentially possible] war. If he is sincere in this endeavor, he will certainly support this initiative [by Vladimir Putin on New START],” the Belarusian president emphasized.

As it was reported, Vladimir Putin recently stated that Russia is willing, after the New START Treaty expires in February 2026, to adhere to its stipulated limitations for one more year, provided the United States agrees to do the same.

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