By Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a key ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has called for Russia and Ukraine to negotiate an end to their conflict. In an interview with Russian state television, Lukashenko emphasized the need to prevent the war from spilling over into Belarus.
The Belarusian leader’s comments come against the backdrop of a significant Ukrainian incursion into Russia that began on August 6, 2024. Thousands of Ukrainian troops breached Russia’s western border, causing embarrassment for Putin’s military leadership.
Lukashenko claimed that only “high-ranking people of American origin” want the war to continue. He accused the West of encouraging Kyiv to fight, alleging they want Ukraine and Russia to “destroy each other.” Without providing evidence, Lukashenko suggested that Ukraine might have plans to attack Belarus, vowing not to allow Ukrainian troops to “trample on our country.”
Urging negotiations, Lukashenko said, “Let’s sit down at the negotiating table and end this brawl.” He referred to the conflict as a “common war” between Belarus and Russia against Kyiv and its Western allies.
Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of people received orders to evacuate the western Kursk region, prompting Russia to announce plans to strengthen its border defenses. Ukrainian forces claim to have advanced 35 km (22 miles) into Russia since last week and continue to gain ground.
Lukashenko warned that if Ukraine provokes Belarus, “we’ll have no other choice” but to respond. He also stated that Minsk sees no reason to use Russian nuclear weapons deployed on Belarusian territory unless its borders are violated.
The Belarusian leader’s call for negotiations comes as Moscow insists any peace talks should be based on Ukraine ceding a fifth of its territory, while Ukraine demands full respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
As the situation in the region remains tense, Lukashenko’s comments highlight the complex dynamics of the conflict and the potential for further escalation involving neighboring countries.
