MINSK, 7 February (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko recalled the Wagner group incident in July 2020 and the following tough conversation with Vladimir Putin as he gave an interview to VGTRK journalist, radio and TV host Vladimir Soloviev, BelTA has learned.
According to the head of state, the incident with the Wagner group was a trifle in relations between the countries. "For me, it was a speck of dust in our relations with Russia. Did we have to start a fight over this?" the president asked.
“Never,” the journalist said back.
"Never. I understand this. So does the Russian president. This is not a reason for us to fight over," Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed. “But just so you know: when we detained these guys, we sent all materials to the FSB. I had a tough conversation with Putin. Back then the Russians did not tell us that there was some mole there. I spoke with Putin three times on this topic. He says: ‘We are investigating this now, let's work together and let's see who is behind'. We knew everything in a week or two [a provocation of the special services of Ukraine].”
"But you held a grudge against Russia (until things were cleared out)?" Vladimir Soloviev said.
"I did," the Belarusian leader said.
"You believed that Russia was involved?" the presenter said.
“Absolutely,” the president noted.
"Did you pick up the phone to call Putin right away?" the journalist asked.
"More than once," Aleksandr Lukashenko admitted.
"And what did Putin say..." Vladimir Soloviev continued.
"It was more than that. The time will come and I will tell you how it was," the head of state summed up.
