MINSK, 18 August (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko sat down for an interview with the Big Sunday News show on the Rossiya TV channel. On Sunday, the channel aired the main part of the interview with the most important statements of the Belarusian leader, BelTA has learned.
The interview lasted about two hours. Aleksandr Lukashenko gave detailed, sincere and open answers on a wide range of topics, including Belarusian-Russian cooperation, regional and international issues.
In particular, the interview touched on the measures to ensure the security of Belarus and Russia, the Union State as a whole, the situation in Ukraine and ways to resolve the conflict, the response to the behavior of Western neighbors and the situation on the border. Certain aspects of domestic policy, the president's personal role in the development of the country and his plans for the future.
The trending topics were also touched on during the interview. Among them were the incident with the violation of the airspace of Belarus by Ukrainian drones, "red lines" in security and events in Kursk Oblast. When answering questions from the journalist, the head of state also commented on the latest statements by Poland and Ukraine.
On the protection of the state border: No "red lines", the response will be instant
Aleksandr Lukashenko warned that in case of violation of the state border, the response would be instantaneous.
In particular, the interview touched on the measures to ensure the security of Belarus and Russia, the Union State as a whole, the situation in Ukraine and ways to resolve the conflict, the response to the behavior of Western neighbors and the situation on the border. Certain aspects of domestic policy, the president's personal role in the development of the country and his plans for the future.
The trending topics were also touched on during the interview. Among them were the incident with the violation of the airspace of Belarus by Ukrainian drones, "red lines" in security and events in Kursk Oblast. When answering questions from the journalist, the head of state also commented on the latest statements by Poland and Ukraine.
On the protection of the state border: No "red lines", the response will be instant
Aleksandr Lukashenko warned that in case of violation of the state border, the response would be instantaneous.
One of the questions was about the ugly response of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the statement of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the violation of the country's airspace by Ukrainian drones. The Ukrainian officials replied that there was nothing to discuss in this topic, it was not something worth thinking about.
On prospects of Belarus-Russia integration
Relations between the leaders of the two countries are a good example of how to build the integration ties between Belarus and Russia, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said in an interview with the Rossiya TV channel, BelTA has learned. The head of state was asked how he sees the current stage of development of the Union State, how strong and indestructible it is, and what else needs to be done for closer integration.
Lukashenko describes Kursk attack as ‘move to raise stakes’
"I agree with Putin when he said that there is a struggle to raise the stakes, to win a stronger position if there are negotiations. This is what the West says, that Ukraine dreams about. But another question arises: in such a situation who will want to negotiate with him?" the head of state said.
On ban for vehicles with Belarusian plates to enter Lithuania
“Crazies. If I were you, I wouldn’t comment on many of the questions concerning Lithuania. Because they don’t know what they are doing. They are madmen. Genuine crazies. What can I say about them? If there were responsible politicians over there, we could talk about their policy. But there are no responsible politicians over there,” the head of state stated.
According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, there is also a plus side to this decision of Lithuanian authorities from the economic point of view. “Thank god. Our citizens will stop moving money beyond the borders of Belarus and Russia. Although they do it less now. The same applies to Russians. Money will stay here. It is so-called economic tourism. Huge amounts of money were withdrawn from here,” he said.