MINSK, 1 August (BelTA) - Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized the critical importance of continuing peace negotiations regarding Ukraine during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Valaam Island on 1 August, BelTA has learned.
The Russian leader stated that Ukraine peace negotiations originally began in Belarus.
“Yes, three rounds took place here. If Belarus isn't suitable, fine. As I discussed with Vladimir Vladimirovich, we could meet on the Moon if necessary. But they must sit down and talk, not throw stones at each other,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.
Aleksandr Lukashenko also cautioned against empty demands: “There's no need to shout ‘I want to meet with Putin!’ Why make such declarations? First prepare the groundwork, draft statements. I've told about it to U.S. representatives. Make proper preparations, then sit down and sign. Invite Trump, Macron, Starmer - anyone. But first prepare everything. Do they not understand? They do. Such statements mean they're not serious - it's just for show,” he concluded.
The Belarusian leader expressed full support for the Russian president's position on negotiations, stating: “War is war, but talks always continue. The USA fought in Vietnam thousands of miles away, yet held negotiations from the very first day of conflict.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko highlighted what he called Ukraine's fundamental mistake: “They're demanding the impossible. What they declare and what Russia proposes should be resolved at the negotiating table. That's where compromises, concessions and policy shifts happen. Their current maximalist position is just political theater - all talk with no real willingness to act.”
The head of state called for carefully de-escalation of the dangerous situation.
Belarus is contributing to the peace process by facilitating border exchanges between Russia and Ukraine: “The agreements Russians reached with Ukrainians in Istanbul (Vladimir Vladimirovich called to thank me, remember) are being implemented through Belarus. We're handling all these border exchanges,” he stated.
The Belarusian leader noted that Ukrainians hadopened a border crossing section and restored railway connections at the required location. “There is progress,” the Belarusian leader stressed.
“There was much outcry about children. Russians are saying: ‘Come and see for yourselves’. Negotiations are underway between Russian and Ukrainian human rights commissioners regarding children,” the Belarusian president said. “What did Russia do wrong? During war, they cared for orphaned children - fed and clothed them. Yet they face accusations. For what? Let's reach agreements. The exchanges are taking place.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that investigations revealed discrepancies in Ukraine's stated figures regarding affected children.
“Of course, not. At most, three or four children were returned and reunited with their parents,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
“When we requested verified lists during the Istanbul negotiations, none were provided,” the Russian president said.
“Without proper documentation, this becomes public manipulation rather than productive dialogue. Regardless of positions, parties must negotiate in good faith at the negotiating table,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.
The Russian leader stated that Ukraine peace negotiations originally began in Belarus.
“Yes, three rounds took place here. If Belarus isn't suitable, fine. As I discussed with Vladimir Vladimirovich, we could meet on the Moon if necessary. But they must sit down and talk, not throw stones at each other,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.
Aleksandr Lukashenko also cautioned against empty demands: “There's no need to shout ‘I want to meet with Putin!’ Why make such declarations? First prepare the groundwork, draft statements. I've told about it to U.S. representatives. Make proper preparations, then sit down and sign. Invite Trump, Macron, Starmer - anyone. But first prepare everything. Do they not understand? They do. Such statements mean they're not serious - it's just for show,” he concluded.
The Belarusian leader expressed full support for the Russian president's position on negotiations, stating: “War is war, but talks always continue. The USA fought in Vietnam thousands of miles away, yet held negotiations from the very first day of conflict.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko highlighted what he called Ukraine's fundamental mistake: “They're demanding the impossible. What they declare and what Russia proposes should be resolved at the negotiating table. That's where compromises, concessions and policy shifts happen. Their current maximalist position is just political theater - all talk with no real willingness to act.”
The head of state called for carefully de-escalation of the dangerous situation.
Belarus is contributing to the peace process by facilitating border exchanges between Russia and Ukraine: “The agreements Russians reached with Ukrainians in Istanbul (Vladimir Vladimirovich called to thank me, remember) are being implemented through Belarus. We're handling all these border exchanges,” he stated.
The Belarusian leader noted that Ukrainians hadopened a border crossing section and restored railway connections at the required location. “There is progress,” the Belarusian leader stressed.
“There was much outcry about children. Russians are saying: ‘Come and see for yourselves’. Negotiations are underway between Russian and Ukrainian human rights commissioners regarding children,” the Belarusian president said. “What did Russia do wrong? During war, they cared for orphaned children - fed and clothed them. Yet they face accusations. For what? Let's reach agreements. The exchanges are taking place.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that investigations revealed discrepancies in Ukraine's stated figures regarding affected children.
“Of course, not. At most, three or four children were returned and reunited with their parents,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
“When we requested verified lists during the Istanbul negotiations, none were provided,” the Russian president said.
“Without proper documentation, this becomes public manipulation rather than productive dialogue. Regardless of positions, parties must negotiate in good faith at the negotiating table,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.
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