MINSK, 26 January (BelTA) – Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko hosted a press conference for domestic and foreign mass media on 26 January.
"This is the kowtowing to the big brother in Washington. If they really stand on the principles in terms of elections, then let’s see them say something about the U.S. elections. It's scary. Here they can. They know that it is safe for them. Well, by making this statement they even came under ridicule in America, from some experts," Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “How can you evaluate something that has not yet happened? Apparently they rushed things off and will have some explaining to do," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
Lukashenko: We have not expelled anyone from Belarus
“We have not expelled anyone from the country. Moreover, we have opened the country up. I have said several times that we are not vindictive people. Everyone will be given a chance,” the head of state said.
“Come here and face the music. If you committed a serious crime, you will be taken to jail,” Aleksandr Lukashenko added. He recalled that a special public commission was set up to process applications from people who want to return to Belarus.
Lukashenko: I do not care whether West recognizes Belarus’ election or not
“It is up to you in the European Union to recognize this election or not. Believe me, I don't care whether you recognize our election or not. The most important thing for me is for Belarusians to recognize this election, and to have them proceed as calm as they started. That is the main thing. The rest is up to you. If you recognize it, we will respond and thank you. If you do not recognize it, well, what can we do if you have already decided not to recognize it? If tomorrow the USA makes a statement or keeps silent at least about our election, what will you do then?” Aleksandr Lukashenko said answering the question of the BBC journalist.
Lukashenko: Belarus is open to dialogue with EU
“We have never been against relations with the West. We have always been ready to do so. But they don't want it. So what should we do? Should we bow down before them or beg for their favor? If they respond to our proposal, we are ready to engage in dialogue with the European Union, even with those who pursued hostile policy against us,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
Lukashenko on opposition: I am ready to talk to those who have clout
“You know, the opposition are those people who are in the country. I am ready to engage in a dialogue with those who have a decision-making power,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said answering a question from German journalists who asked whether he was ready to embark on a dialogue with the self-exiled opposition. There is nothing to discuss with such an 'opposition', the president said.
Lukashenko suggests developing common criteria for assessing democracy
“It is necessary to define what democracy means. Maybe there are some criteria of democracy? Let us define and use these criteria to assess the United States, the UK, Brussels and Minsk. It is wrong to use some criteria to assess us and others to assess them,” the Belarusian leader said.
Lukashenko: Protests in Slovakia, Serbia are coordinated from abroad
“All events are absolutely coordinated, and everything is handled from the United States of America. Most of them are financed from the funds of the United States of America and sometimes from the embassies directly. We have seen millions of such facts in Belarus and other countries. So whoever pays the piper calls the tune,” the head of state pointed.
Lukashenko: Future multipolarity depends on China
“We need multipolarity. A unipolar world does not ensure prosperity of all nations,” Aleksandr Lukashenko believes. “The Chinese act smart: they do not escalate the situation, do not create tension. They offer to cooperate. A lot depends on the cooperation between China and the United States these days. The future multipolarity, which should keep the world in balance, depends on the People's Republic of China. I wish you to hold your ground and follow this path.”
Lukashenko: USA will put Europe in a bind
“Trump was lambasted for days on end. But as soon as Trump won the election, you [in Europe] started crawling across the Atlantic Ocean towards him. Some are crawling on the bottom, some on top. Some do not know how to get to Trump today. You in Europe are having a hard time. The writing is already on the wall. You need to worry about this. With Trump coming to power, it is not Belarus that is going to face problems. Problems will emerge in Europe. You have already got them,” the head of state said answering a question from a BBC journalist.
Lukashenko: OSCE/ODIHR observers refused to come
“We invited them: “Please, come.” They said: “You invited us late”. Where is it written that we should invite you yesterday and not tomorrow or today? You just didn't want to come. That is why you didn't go. Why are you yelling that we didn't invite you? We haven't banned anyone to enter Belarus,” the head of state stressed, adding that citizens of about 90 countries have the right to enter Belarus vise-free, and offered to name another country that demonstrates such openness. “You won't,” the Belarusian leader said.
Lukashenko: Europe should pursue its own policy
The president is convinced that the planet will be more stable if it rests on many pillars. “The European Union, the United States, China, India, Russia - these are many pillars that could hold our planet together. The USA should understand, however, that these pillars matter, but they proceed from one thing only: America first,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
Lukashenko: Lithuanian authorities destroyed their country
“Lithuania is no more. They destroyed this beautiful country. Lithuanians are very hard-working patient people. In Soviet times, ‘under occupation’ as they describe it, Lithuania reached great heights! I have been to Lithuania. There were queues to buy Lithuanian-made machinery, foodstuffs. We dreamed of living the way the Baltic states lived,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
Lukashenko slams Zelensky's claim about strike at Mozyr Oil Refinery as lie
Aleksandr Lukashenko recalled one of Zelensky's recent claims that he wanted peace, while the Belarusian president suggested Ukraine strike at Mozyr Oil Refinery. “Look, when I heard that, I felt sick. For me, suggesting striking the oil refinery is absolutely unacceptable. The refinery in Mozyr is the best in the world, recently upgraded which cost us dear. I swear to you that did not happen,” the president noted. “Why are you saying such things? You're a bad showman. You're not even Trump. You are lying," the Belarusian leader stressed.
Lukashenko sees light at 'end of the tunnel' in Ukraine
“There will be some kind of resolution this year. I'm not saying the war will end and everything will be fine. It will take a lot of time to mend relations. But there will be a settlement. We will see the light at the end of the tunnel this year,” the head of state said.
Lukashenko comments on Musk’s gesture at Trump’s inauguration
“They cannot say anything to justify it. This is an open Nazi salute, the Americans and Mr Musk have simply taken this too far,” the head of state said. He emphasized that Musk is probably well aware that this gesture is associated with the Nazi salute. “Why didn’t the Jews condemn this? The holocaust was carried out under this gesture. Not a single Jew condemned Musk and said anything to Trump,” the Belarusian leader said.
Lukashenko expects no changes in the region after Trump's inauguration
“Donald is a great performer and actor. He is a showman, a businessman. He is really cool. He knows how to do it. He has this kind of character and does not shy away from doing it,” the head of state said. "As an experienced politician, I should say that I do not think that anything will change in our region after Trump took office.”
Lukashenko explains why Belarus should be part of Ukraine peace process
“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.
Lukashenko reveals reason behind his recent voice problems
Aleksandr Lukashenko noted: “I am not going to die yet. God willing, I will be as healthy as I have been until now. I do not need more. As for 2030, I know I will not live forever. I can say that I did not want to run for re-election.”
Lukashenko warns Armenia against flirting with the West
“They have started flirting with the EU. It is a most dangerous game. He needs to to rethink it. He will destroy Armenia. He is also turning Russia against himself. Armenia is an enclosed country. It is not a large country. The population is relatively small. He has made enemies all around him. Once the European Union starts helping him... He will destroy the country. That is why he must dial it back a bit. No war in the Caucasus should be allowed,” the head of state said.
Lukashenko: Belarusians have long determined their path
“Five years ago, we saw that we had a certain number of lunatics. Today Belarus is different: it has been inoculated. We are not determining our fate today. We have already chosen it,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized.
Lukashenko reflects on who can be Belarus' president
Earlier, the head of state had repeatedly said that power would be transferred to a new generation. “When I say 'the young generation', I don't mean my younger son or my eldest son,” Aleksandr Lukashenko noted.
Lukashenko explains economic challenges for Belarus in 2025
The president stated that the economic situation in Russia is not easy now, which means that it will not be easy in Belarus either. “Therefore, I warn my people (the government, ministers, governors and manufacturers ) that this year will be challenging, that we need to make the best of it, we need to mobilize,” the head of state stressed.
Lukashenko: Belarus needs a ‘nuclear umbrella’ to keep ‘rain’ away
The president explained that nuclear weapons are primarily used for deterrence. They are meant to prevent nuclear “rain” rather than to get caught in it, the head of state put it figuratively.
Lukashenko: Trump can take 'out-of-the-box' step on settlement in Ukraine
He believes that Donald Trump is a flamboyant and unpredictable person who can make an unexpected alogical decision. “We are waiting for him to make such an alogical decision regarding Ukraine. If we use logical and conventional criteria for this issue, the United States will never agree to meet the demands and expectations of the Russian people and the Russian president. It is not in their interests. But Trump is an unpredictable man. He can take some extraordinary measures and do what he promised: He brought peace and is declared 'messiah'. God wanted him to survive assassination attempt so that he could bring peace, among other things. Deep inside he is committed to it. He always holds firm. It is hard for his aides and others to influence him. So, he can do something out-of-the-box, not along the lines we think,” the Belarusian leader stressed.
Lukashenko reveals where he will go first on official visit if he wins election
“Vladimir Vladimirovich [Putin] and I have recently discussed this topic: 'Listen, it would be strange if I went anywhere other than Moscow' - 'Aleksandr Grigorievich, you are always welcome here.' That was our conversation. Naturally, it [a different destination] will not just be odd, it will be incomprehensible to many. Therefore, I plan to meet with the president of Russia in Moscow and hold talks, which is usually done on official visits,” Aleksandr Lukashenko noted, answering a question from journalists.
Lukashenko shares his vision of compromise settlement in Ukraine
“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.
Lukashenko comments on Moldova's possible future
“I do not mean that you should follow our path. But why are you destroying what you have created? I am an advocate of evolutionary development. You need to build on what you already have, develop as a state, as a sovereign state, go either West or East. But don't destroy what you have. It will be difficult later,” the head of state stressed.
Lukashenko: Belarus does not send signals to West through pardoning convicts
“As far as political prisoners are concerned, do not believe anyone saying that someone pressured me, that it was self-exiled opposition. We do not have any relations with them at all,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. He explained that those who asked for pardon were pardoned first. Secondly, when making these decisions, the president proceeded from the principles of humanity. Among those pardoned there were elderly people with serious illnesses.
Lukashenko: All generations of Belarusians cherish Great Victory
Belarus also celebrates the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. “We, like you, consider this Victory to be very important not only for those generations, but also for the contemporary ones. We will celebrate this Victory. I think that if we have a traditional parade this year, our Chinese friends and comrades will take part in it. In general, the Chinese take part in many cultural events and economic projects here. We have already commissioned a swimming pool, and are going to inaugurate a football stadium (a gem of Minsk) just in time for the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. So you will be regarded as our best friends and helpers. We will celebrate it together,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
Lukashenko: Belarus succeeds in shifting cooperation from West to East
“We will be developing cooperation in a quiet and calm manner, because there are still enough those who are watching to put spokes in our wheels. We have agreed with the Chinese that we will not publicize, go into too much detail about our cooperation. What we once planned and launched with Western companies, we have successfully completed and are working with the Chinese. China has everything for the development of our economy,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
Lukashenko sees Belarusian peacekeepers as best option for Ukraine
“If they seek trust and justice, then the Belarusian army is the best option. It doesn't mean that I will deploy my army of 70,000 as peacekeepers there. But only the Belarusian army will see to it that the agreements are observed as agreed. There are no others. All the others will pull either to the West or to the East. Therefore, these are the Belarusian peacekeepers only,” the Belarusian leader said.
Lukashenko: Belarus is working on cryptocurrency
“This task was set for specialists and the government; recently our IT specialists have sent me a letter,” the president continued.
He remarked: “They have suggested going this way. This idea comes from them, but they need our help as they are working on artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency (the same way as I helped set up a park).”
Lukashenko: Poland pursues most aggressive policy against Belarus
“Poland pursues the most aggressive and bad policy against Belarus. I am not making anything up. We are your neighbor, we have lived in one state for many years... Today you are eyeing western Belarus up to Minsk, you have already started talking about western Ukraine. You understand that you will not get an inch of territory from us. This is our territory. Ethnic Poles live here, but they are my Poles. That's why you have some odd messages when you try to justify this or that position in your policy,” the head of state said.
Lukashenko opines on future of neural networks
“We are currently studying this matter. We are at the initial stage now, but we will be moving quickly. Voice cloning is not the only danger coming from neural networks. We will be able to explain this to people. If things spiral out of control, we will declare a war on it and act in a war-like manner, but we will not cede our country. We will pull out all the stops in this case, you can be sure of that. We will act in a tough and resolute way,” the head of state said.
Lukashenko asked whether criticism of authorities is allowed in Belarus
“In your countries candidates don't just criticize each other but denigrate each other. There are countries where the authorities are not criticized,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he talked to the media in Minsk on 26 January. “If you say that we have forbidden to criticize the authorities, please give us the facts. Give us the facts as to who issued the ban. We don't need bans and restrictions: either at the border or on people’s movements. We don't need them. We know that people support us because a bird in hand is worth more than two in the bush.”
Lukashenko calls on Poland to buy tractors, not tanks
“I want us to have good relations. Believe me, there will never be another president in Belarus who would be so eager for good relations with Poles. Why are so arrogant? Why do you treat us like this? Do not listen to anyone who says that we are against you. Or that Russia wants to attack you. We have enough land of our own. We have no need to attack you or wage war against you. Get this out of your head,” the Belarusian leader said.
Lukashenko: Belarus’ border with Ukraine is closed, but certain contacts are maintained
“We help to exchange hundreds of people. Ukraine and Russia have no contact. Russia and Ukraine bring prisoners of war or dead and we transport them to their countries,” the president said. “We conduct exchanges and dialogue in a humane manner. But the border is mined and barricaded. This contact with Ukrainians is mainly near Gomel.”
Lukashenko responds to statement by Poland’s FM
“Why are you dragging Russia and Putin into it? Don't you have enough problems of your own? Sikorski is an experienced politician. I've met him, talked to him. Why does he care about our election? Let him think about tomorrow. Today, Polish farmers threw manure at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. What will be tomorrow? Just calm down! Are we saying anything about you? No, we aren’t” the president responded.
Lukashenko comments on progress in import substitution effort in Belarus, Russia
In recent years, Belarus has been involved in the process of import substitution, which became more active in Russia after the imposition of sanctions. “I am already telling Russians: let us leave aside Mercedes cars, and drive Moskvitches and Ladas. They are not bad. They [Westerners] brought technologies, too. Let us work harder, mobilize, and very soon we will catch up with them. We can do a lot of things,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
Lukashenko wants to place Oreshnik closer to Russia's Smolensk
“Over there, closer to Smolensk. That's where I want it to be. And then we'll see. A certain distance is needed. It's bad when your targets are very close. When they are very far away, they can carry a smaller load. That's why I'm considering a location somewhere near you [Russia]. Moreover, these are common weapons. But I'm not saying 'at Smolensk'. That's just how I see it for now,” the head of state said.
Lukashenko talks about his pet
“He was gifted not to me, but he grew attached to me. Well, what can I do? This is why I love him so much. He is like a child. His main competitor is Nikolai, certainly, because he knows that I love Nikolai and him, and he is jealous. I did not realize it before, though I was born in the village and understand the behavior of animals ,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. "I did not think before that I can treat an animal like a baby: he is the most loyal, reliable. People, perhaps, can't be as loyal as dogs. He has good instincts. If I go somewhere where there will be people (he is very jealous), he knows in his gut that he should also be there."
Lukashenko gives his take on possible successor
“I'm not looking for this successor. I don't know whether Natalya Ivanovna [Kochanova, speaker of the upper house] or Vladimir Evgenyevich [Kukharev, Minsk mayor] are looking for one. But they are probably thinking it over,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. At the same time, he is not indifferent to who will be in power in the country. “We are still living in this electoral period. We will think about it after the election,” the head of state said.
Lukashenko names condition for Belarus to change its mind to deploy Oreshnik
The head of state noted that the plans to deploy Oreshnik in Belarus were made in response to the desire and possibility of deploying American intermediate-range missiles in Europe.
“Therefore, if they drop this idea, I will tell my elder brother: 'Let's wait.' It does not matter whether they will be deployed in Smolensk or Orsha. It is irrelevant for us. What is important for us is that American intermediate-range missiles do not end up on European territory, because they can be equipped with a nuclear component,” the Belarusian leader said.
Lukashenko talks about cooperation with Venezuela, Latin America countries
The president also said: “Not so long ago our government delegation visited countries of the Caribbean region, including Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba. In other words, we have the points where we will continue developing what we’ve started.”
He drew attention to Belarus’ interest in yet another country: “We are trying to establish relations with a huge country – with Brazil. We know that they have a strong interest in Belarus as far as individual goods are concerned. We have a strong interest not only in aircraft but it is one of the areas we would like to grab.”
Lukashenko skeptical about scale of self-exiled opposition’s rally in Warsaw on ballot day
The president pointed out that reporters of Western mass media had produced biased coverage time and time again. They may provide coverage from street rallies while greatly inflating the number of participants just like it was in Minsk in 2020. “Everything you’ve said [about thousands of people taking part in the rally in Warsaw and about why people went there] is a lie,” the president stressed.
Lukashenko expects Ukraine’s revival to need Stalin-like figure
Aleksandr Lukashenko is convinced that the West is definitely not interested in the restoration and development of Ukraine for the benefit of the country’s nation. “The country has been ruined. The people are on their knees. I don’t know how they will get out of the situation without us, without Russia. Everyone will forget about them soon. Nobody is going to invest in Ukraine for the sake of the Ukrainian nation. Yes, transnational corporations will pick up some deposits, some profitable chunks of the economy. Naturally, Americans or Europeans will support them. But only Russia will be able to help rebuild the country,” he said.
Lukashenko: No place for showmanship during elections in Belarus
One of the questions the head of state was asked focused on peculiarities of campaigning during the presidential election. The president responded by saying: “Why there are no shows and bustle? I am glad. You know we don’t need a show. It is not our thing. An election is a serious thing. Serious things should be made seriously. Why should we walk all over the place, shout at the top of our lungs, and hold rallies?”
Lukashenko tells Poland to stay away from Ukraine
“You have a complicated situation. You’ve had a falling out with Germans. There are very serious problems over there. And with us. Do you want to fight on two fronts? You are ready to penetrate Western Ukraine. Don’t try. You will have to deal with Belarus and with Russia then. Don’t get involved in Ukraine. Western Ukraine is Ukraine. It will never be Poland anymore. Just like Western Belarus,” the head of state said in response to a question by a Polish reporter.
Lukashenko not worried by warm weather’s effect on winter crops
The Belarusian leader shared agricultural wisdom by saying: “What is going on right now is not dangerous for the harvest. Plants start vegetating at around 7-8C above zero. The vegetation of plants in winter is dangerous now. They cannot be given additional supplements. They have to use up their own nutrients. If the weather was warmer, it would be dangerous. If the air temperature is at 1C, 3C, 4C above zero, the plants stay calm. They don’t use nutrients. There is no fear. If the weather turns really cold, god forbid of course, the rapeseed will be frozen. And we have a large area under this crop. Some winter crops may be damaged.”
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