MINSK, 1 October (BelTA) – The latest statements by representatives of the Ukrainian government have resulted in an extreme shortage of trust in Ukrainian colleagues. The statement was made by Anatoly Glaz, Head of the Information and Digital Diplomacy Office, Press Secretary of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in response to requests to comment on statements by Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba, BelTA has learned.
According to Anatoly Glaz, the Ukrainian diplomat's speculations about the legitimacy of the Belarusian leadership resemble participation in a contest for the most scathing yet empty talk instead of diplomacy.
Anatoly Glaz noted that the Ukrainian minister of foreign affairs seemingly tries to catch up with contestants from other countries. “It seems to me that the desire to be on stage by any means has overshadowed all the other feelings of the contestants, including the recognition of the surrounding world,” he noted.
In his words, the outcome of the competition will be sad. “One seriously doubts the professionalism of individual Ukrainian colleagues. Kiev either puts relations with Belarus on pause or suggests allegedly neutral mediation while rejecting any possibility of a dialogue with the current legitimate government from the start. Although proposals for neutral mediation from Ukraine where a war is going on make one to at least smile ironically. Unfortunately, the incessant stream of drastic statements by Ukrainian politicians, including the minister of foreign affairs, gives us a serious reason to objectively doubt the sincerity of their statements about friendship,” Anatoly Glaz said.
The official stressed that Belarus is intent on preserving and advancing good neighborly relations with Ukraine. “The latest statements by representatives of the Ukrainian government have resulted in an extreme shortage of trust in Ukrainian colleagues. It may result in considerable damage to entire Belarusian-Ukrainian cooperation. Does Kiev understand it?” Anatoly Glaz wondered. “We still expect that as it builds relations with Belarus, Ukraine will rely on its own national interests instead of illusory ones and interests enforced by foreign parties. We expect it will be able to get rid of ‘the choking embrace' of its Western partners. We still believe that the leadership of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be able to adequately evaluate and recognize the harmfulness of the current policy in relations with Belarus. That it will find the strength to act for the benefit of its own country.”
The Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured that Belarus will resolutely defend its sovereignty, independence, and national interests. “It is meaningless to talk to us using insults, threats, and sanctions. Only a mutually respectful dialogue can be productive. We are ready for it,” the source stressed.
