Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko: USA sees Belarus' role in Ukraine peace process

MINSK, 14 October (BelTA) – The USA sees a role for Belarus in the process of a peaceful settlement in Ukraine, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a meeting to discuss the international situation and Belarus-USA relations in Minsk on 14 October, BelTA has learned.

The head of state pointed out that Washington's actions are being carried out both in the context of resolving the regional crisis around Ukraine and in order to advance its own interests in Eastern Europe and the world at large. In doing so, the Americans are acting in an exclusively pragmatic manner, which, in the president's view, is perfectly normal.

“I believe that a certain role in resolving the Ukrainian crisis, as well as in building a regional security architecture, is assigned to Belarus as Russia's closest ally. The Americans have recognized our place in this process. We have specific capabilities and potential,” the head of state said.

“If the Americans want to settle the conflict in Ukraine and see some role for us there, even a small one, we are ready to participate,” Aleksandr Lukashenko continued.

The president noted that Belarus has long and repeatedly emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution of the conflict. “We have stated our position: peace, peace, and only peace. Ukraine must exist as a sovereign, independent state. We are for stopping the war now; otherwise, this independent, sovereign state will disappear,” the Belarusian leader said.

“Especially since certain parties (you know who) are already eyeing the western regions of Ukraine (and Belarus, for that matter), already living by some kind of „holy spirit“ of Piłsudski. He [Polish President Karol Nawrocki recently stated that he communicates with the spirit of the late Marshal Józef Piłsudski] is utterly obsessed with this spirit, whether he dreams of it or it possesses him. To think such foolishness... Even if it's true, you should just keep quiet about it. Well, that's their problem; they are just that kind of people,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The president once again emphasized that for Belarus, the paramount issue in a peaceful settlement for Ukraine is preserving it as a sovereign and independent state. He stated it must be peace-loving, create no problems or threats for anyone, and develop like other independent nations. “We stand for this and for peace, and we are prepared to work toward that goal,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

According to him, the Russian people and the leadership of Russia are intent on establishing peace in Ukraine. This was also discussed during the latest meetings between Aleksandr Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin.

"Tomahawks will not solve the problem. They will escalate the situation to a nuclear war. Perhaps Donald Trump understands this better than anyone, as he is in no hurry to hand over this lethal weapon for deep strikes into Russian territory, as President Zelensky is counting on,” the Belarusian leader said.

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