Lukashenko mocks Zelensky's self-imposed ban on talks with Russia

MINSK, 31 March (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko called ridiculous Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky's ‘No Talks With Putin' ban. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the statement in his Address to the nation and the parliament on 31 March, BelTA has learned.

“This is unbelievable for a president of a sovereign independent country to sign a decree to ban himself from conducting peace negotiations. This is ridiculous. I am saying this as President. If you do not want to negotiate, then simply do not do it. Why sign such a decree and make people laugh? What do you want to show by doing this?” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The president added that, when speaking to Vladimir Zelensky at the very beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, he always tried ‘in a friendly, fraternal way' to turn him to the right path. “I always told him: “Volodya, think about it, the war is going on your land, on your territory. Today you will be a hero, you will be in charge, you will go to Bakhmut to present awards. But later, people will ask you why you did not prevent the war, why you did not do everything to stop it. When it started, why didn't you stop it, and why were innocent people dying?” It wasn't your children who were dying, I told him. Not your relatives. They are probably out there on the Cote d'Azur having fun. And those who are dying are the ones who should not be dying. The relatives of those who may die will hold him accountable. As we can see, there is silence in return,” the head of state said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that it was important to start negotiations as soon as possible, and this was the only way. In his words, the Russian military-industrial complex is now unfolding to its full capacity, and then it may be difficult to talk about negotiations. “We have to stop now, before the escalation begins,” the Belarusian leader emphasized.