MINSK, 19 January (BelTA) - There is currently an unprecedented opportunity to end the conflict in Ukraine, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with Governor of Russia's Kirov Oblast Alexander Sokolov in Minsk on 19 January, BelTA has learned.
“We will sort the war out. I think such an opportunity exists now like never before. No matter how much the Ukrainians might be balking today, we must still move towards peace on that land,” the head of state said.
“Besides, I always try to get this message across to the Ukrainians: no one but us will help them in the post-war period,” the Belarusian leader emphasized.
“It seems that there is a growing understanding (both here and in Ukraine). Surely, it is not an easy process, but these steps toward each other must be taken," the head of state added.
“We will sort the war out. I think such an opportunity exists now like never before. No matter how much the Ukrainians might be balking today, we must still move towards peace on that land,” the head of state said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that Ukrainians need to understand that it’s not important that “a piece goes here, a piece goes there.” “That's all clear. It's painful for any country. But people will decide for themselves where to live. It’s not the territory that decides, not the land that decides everything. People will sort it out, will determine their own path. If it is more convenient for them to be with Russia, like Crimea and others, they will make their choice. They will live in Russia and understand that they will get more help. Even now, in difficult times Russia is working there,” the president remarked. “If they make a choice in favor of Ukraine, no one will hold them back. Time will pass and everything will fall into place. This is what Ukraine must proceed from, instead of wasting thousands and thousands of lives every day. The millions who have fled Ukraine may never return, even in peacetime. This is what must come first, above all.”
“Besides, I always try to get this message across to the Ukrainians: no one but us will help them in the post-war period,” the Belarusian leader emphasized.
In this regard, Aleksandr Lukashenko gave the example of the United States: if its priorities shift, it could simply forget about Ukraine. “They might turn their attention to Iran, Yemen, or Taiwan and forget about Ukraine. No one will need this Ukraine anymore. Therefore, they need to look ahead.”
“It seems that there is a growing understanding (both here and in Ukraine). Surely, it is not an easy process, but these steps toward each other must be taken," the head of state added.
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