Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko explains why Belarus should be part of Ukraine peace process

An archive photo

MINSK, 26 January (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko explained to journalists on 26 January why Belarus should be part of Ukraine peace efforts, BelTA has learned.

“They often put their spin on this matter, making it look like Lukashenko is dying to be at the negotiating table. It's not about Lukashenko, I don't have skin in the game here. It is about two things: our interests and regional security. I proceeded from this,” the president emphasized.

The head of state clarified: “The first thing is pursuing national interests. Are there interests of Belarusian people on this piece of land? Yes. Second. I proceeded from the fact that it is Volodya Zelensky who constantly pushes for guarantees, peace, security in the region. And if you want these guarantees and peace, then everyone's interests should be accommodated as much as possible. All participants in this process who live here, including Belarusians, should be involved. Lithuanians, Latvians, and even Poles are more than eager to be part of this process, and Zelensky welcomes this, and the West, too. However, this is our space; regional security is incomplete without us. Therefore, two factors are at play here - our interests and security in the region.”

“But I am not desperate to become part of the negotiating process. It's okay if decisions are made there without me. Well, the president of Russia will be there anyway, there will be no talks without him. Do you think he won't back up Belarus' position? After all, it is absolutely not burdensome for Russia, or for Ukraine, or for the West,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The president went on saying: “Some people outside our country demand that Lukashenko should assume some obligations, release political prisoners in order to be allowed to sit down at the negotiating table. Those who think that I am ready to this to become part of the peace process are totally wrong.”

“That's complete nonsense. If we want to have peace and calm here in the future, we should be involved in these negotiations. That's my position, and there is nothing personal,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko. 

Lukashenko shares his vision of compromise settlement in Ukraine

MINSK, 26 January (BelTA) -  Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko shared his vision of a compromise settlement in Ukraine as he spoke with the media in Minsk on 26 January, BelTA has learned.

“The compromise can be like this. Vladimir Putin recently asked them to withdraw to the borders of four regions: Donetsk Oblast, Lugansk Oblast, Kherson Oblast, Zaporozhye Oblast. If they do it, the conflict will stop. But the Ukrainian side does not want to withdraw to the borders. Well, what then? If you don't want to withdraw, then drop the claims on the territories and the Sea of Azov that used to be Ukrainian. So this is how the compromise may look like. It is possible. This is my opinion. But Volodya Zelensky and Vladimir Putin know better. They are deeply immersed in these matters. But a compromise will have to be found. The time will pass and people will decide where to live and what currency to use. People! Just don't get in their way. But, again, this will be resolved at the negotiating table,” the president said.

“The Ukrainian people will continue to struggle if they do not decide on their leader, their government and if they do not realize that they will have to rebuild the country themselves. With regard Crimea…  Look, many more new generations will come and go and the issue of Crimea and Donbass will be solved. Maybe there will be no borders between the states at all,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “But today we need to proceed from the realities, from what is doable. And stop demanding Crimea back. Russia will never give Crimea back. Even the West arrived at this conclusion. Will Russians leave the territories controlled by the Russian army? I can't imagine what would have to happen for them to leave where they are now. Therefore, perhaps this issue has already been resolved." 

print version

make home page

add to bookmarks