MINSK, 24 November (BelTA) – Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko talked to Russian reporters on the sidelines of the latest Collective Security Treaty Organization summit in Yerevan. Among other things he mentioned Belarus' role in Russia's special military operation in Ukraine and a trend in favor of peace talks, BelTA has learned.
When asked whether Belarus' Armed Forces may enter Ukraine's territory, Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “Total nonsense. If we use the Armed Forces, personnel to get involved in this conflict, we will add nothing to it. On the contrary, we will make things worse. It is not Belarus' role in this conflict.”
He explained that Belarus has never refused to participate in Russia's special military operation in Ukraine and contributes to it in many aspects but without directly involving military personnel. “We are not getting involved, we don't kill anyone, we don't send personnel over there because there is no need for it,” the Belarusian leader said.
In his words, negotiations are needed instead of military escalation these days: “We need to come to terms. To parley sensibly and talk about peace.” However, those, who are absolutely not interested in the peace talks, impede the organization of negotiations and it is necessary to openly tell the international community about it, the president believes. “It is necessary to present Ukraine and the Poles and Americans that stand behind Ukraine in a way they should be presented to the entire world. They don't want any peace talks. They, Americans (they rule via Poles over there) fear one thing: a nuclear conflict, nuclear weapons. Why? Because things will be hot for them then. It is their approach,” Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked.
According to the head of state, the gunning down of Russian prisoners of war by Ukrainian Armed Forces should be viewed as part of the eagerness to further escalate matters. Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “What did the execution of the Russian guys accomplish? Did they want to once again rouse Russian people? Mission accomplished.” He also remarked there is no logic in such actions because the key Ukrainian propagandist Mykhailo Podolyak has repeatedly invited Russian military personnel to surrender once they enter Ukraine's territory. “Well, okay, Russians surrendered. Why did you have to gun them down?” the president wondered.
Aleksandr Lukashenko went on saying: “It is disturbing. It means that Americans keep them under their control. Independent smart people don't do such things.”
