MOSCOW, 11 April (BelTA) - Today everything is in place for negotiations on peace in Ukraine, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Moscow on 11 April, BelTA has learned.
"I absolutely support the position of the current Russian leadership and your position on the peace process. I absolutely support it: today everything is in place for sitting down and coming to an agreement," Aleksandr Lukashenko is convinced. “They don't want to. It's clear why they don't want to. Should people overseas want to talk about peace, their voice will be heard in Ukraine."
"Therefore, Ukrainians, especially ordinary people, should know that this does not depend on us. The ball, roughly speaking, is in the court," the president added.
The head of state recalled how the peace talks began: three rounds were held in Belarus, and the fourth one took place in Istanbul. Both countries came to certain agreements, drew up a draft but the negotiations were disrupted.
"They came and said to fight to the last Ukrainian!" Aleksandr Lukashenko noted.
"They need to be reasonable: take the document (that you once showed me), put it on the table and work on it. This is a sensible position. There is an acceptable position for Ukraine as well. They were ready to sign it after all," the Belarusian president said.
"Of course," Vladimir Putin confirmed.
"I absolutely support the peace process, which Russia has never refused from, including today. If we can play a role in this, you know our strengths. We will always be there for you and act together with you and at the same frequency," the Belarusian leader assured.
Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that at some time some in Russia even reproached Vladimir Putin for not hitting Ukraine where it hurt, in particular the energy system.
"You said then (maybe it was in a military way): 'Listen, I feel sorry for people. Kindergartens, schools. If the energy sector in Ukraine collapses, children and people will suffer."
The Belarusian head of state also cautioned the Ukrainian side. "You strike sensitive points in Russia, then be ready for an appropriate response. I think there are a lot of crazy people in Ukraine, but not all of them are that. I think they understood what’s coming and will do some rethinking in this regard. They are simply provoking Russia to carry out such strikes," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
He said that he does not justify Ukraine in this regard. "Not at all. There is no need to escalate. Summer goes by quickly. Winter will come."
"I think, Vladimir Vladimirovich, that your initiatives for a peaceful settlement of the conflict will find a response in Ukraine. Strange as it may seem, in the military. Here I am ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with you and work in this direction," the Belarusian leader stressed.
As it has been reported, during the talks Vladimir Putin said that Russia is ready for constructive negotiations but spoke against imposing any position that is not based on realities.
