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05 May 2022, 21:07

Lukashenko: Don't force Donetsk and Lugansk to become part of Ukraine now

MINSK, 5 May (BelTA) – It is now up to the people living in eastern Ukraine to decide on their future. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the relevant statement in an interview with Associated Press, BelTA has learned.

Asked whether Belarus supports Russia's claims to eastern territories of Ukraine, Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “Russia and Ukraine cannot decide [the status of these territories] now. It is up to the people, who live there, to decide it. I strongly doubt they would like to return to Ukraine. They are very afraid because they understand what will happen to them, how they will be dealt with.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko is convinced: “Ukraine's east – Donbass, Lugansk – can become part of Ukraine only by force now.” In his opinion, the opportunity to get residents of these regions interested in being part of Ukraine has been lost since 2015. And now a lot of time will be needed to convince them otherwise.

“Those are independent states now. They have declared themselves. If you stage any referendum, the people will confirm their independence. The Lugansk republic and the Donetsk republic will. It is necessary to agree with that for now. There is no use in pushing them into Ukraine. It is futile. It will only contribute to escalation instead of the termination of the conflict,” Aleksandr Lukashenko believes.

In his words, the matter was discussed in a recent conversation with President of Russia Vladimir Putin, who talked in detail about the corresponding proposals sent to the Ukrainian leadership. “There is no response. Does the Ukrainian leadership want to end the war by diplomatic means? It means it doesn't,” the Belarusian leader remarked.

While contemplating whether Ukraine's leadership wants to end armed hostilities in the country by diplomatic means, Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “Ukraine's leadership may want to do it but cannot. It cannot due to one reason: because Zelenskyy does not control Ukraine now. I don't want him to take offense at this. It is my point of view. You [representatives of Western countries, including the interviewer] are in control over there.”

The president continued: “And if only Joe Biden says: ‘That's it, men, you've fought enough. You've knocked each other's teeth in. Stop it now. Nobody needs the war. It is unprofitable.' then everything will end within one week.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko believes that the annexation of Lugansk and Donetsk would be a huge additional burden for Russia: “Russia has enough territory as it is. But Russia cannot allow beatings and abuses of Russian people right next to it.” In his words, the USA maintains a similar stance on protection of its own citizens. “I know the USA's policy and support it in this regard: if your citizen, an American is offended somewhere, you pour all the might of the state into protecting him or her. Why do you deprive Russia of this right?” he wondered.

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