MINSK, 24 February (BelTA) – There is a need to look for ways to prevent bloodshed and massacre in Ukraine, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at an operational meeting with the military in Minsk on 24 February, BelTA has learned.
"The conflict has begun. What's next? They did not hear my message to them during my address to the parliament. I want them [in Ukraine] to hear me now. Ways must be found to prevent bloodshed and massacre. God forbid, a ground operation starts... Missiles are being fired at oil depots, military infrastructure, ammunition and warehouses. The entire infrastructure is reported to have already been destroyed. It was known to everyone, including Russia. In a ground operation, a single shot, a single death will start a full-scale war. This must be prevented,” stressed Aleksandr Lukashenko.
The president emphasized China's balanced position on the situation in Ukraine: “The Chinese are wise people, and they say that the conflict can still be prevented. Therefore, it is necessary to look for ways to prevent bloodshed. To prevent this and stop the escalation, they need to sit down at the negotiating table.
Putin informs Lukashenko about situation on border with Ukraine, in Donbass
“The presidents of Belarus and Russia had a telephone conversation at about 5 am today. Vladimir Putin informed Aleksandr Lukashenko about the situation on the border with Ukraine and in the Donbass,” the press service informed.
Lukashenko reveals details of his talk with Putin about Ukraine
At a special meeting with the military on 24 February Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko unveiled some details of his conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the situation in Ukraine.
Lukashenko: Russia has never asked Belarus to participate in some operations
Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “Russia's leaders have never raised the matter of participation in some operations, including this Ukrainian one, before me. We have our own tasks, which by the way correlate with the conflict and with the operation Russia is carrying out in Ukraine."
Lukashenko: Belarusian army is not involved in Russia's special operation in Donbass
The Belarusian army is not taking part in the Russian special operation in the Donbass, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at an operational meeting with the military.
Lukashenko: Belarus is not going to get involved into war
I want to emphasize once again: our people should be sure that we will not make any erroneous steps. We will not. We are not going to get involved into the war," the Belarusian leader said.
Lukashenko: Belarus is facing no threats
“There is no panic, absolutely none! We are holding all events as planned, including sports events, social and political events. Today there is no threat to the country from any side, but we see and know their plans,” the Belarusian leader stressed.
Lukashenko: Situation on Belarus' western, southern border changed dramatically
“It is no secret that last night, yesterday evening, the situation along the western and southern border of Belarus changed dramatically. I am grateful to all of you: I know that none of you slept that night, we had to get ready, to think how we should act and what to say to our people. At night we scheduled this meeting,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
Lukashenko instructs to protect border with NATO member states – Poland, Lithuania
"Our task now is to protect the state border of Belarus with NATO - Poland and Lithuania. The task has been set. So that you could see everything, so that we would not let through a single tank, a single soldier. We must see everything that is happening there, in Poland,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.
Belarus eager to deploy cutting-edge Russian missile systems domestically
Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “It would be a good idea to deploy Iskander missile systems over there and two S-400 missile system squadrons somewhere else. So that we could monitor the situation all the way to Berlin. Because [the air defense missile system] S-400 Triumf can see all of it.”
Lukashenko: We have sufficient forces and assets at the border with Ukraine
Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “In the current situation we have to take measures without delay to ensure security of our country and our citizens. I'd like to note nothing extraordinary is happening. Absolutely nothing has happened.”
Lukashenko: Ukrainian military were warned about possible special operation, took no action
Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that the military leadership of Ukraine had held talks with their Belarusian counterparts twice. The last conversation was held after the meeting of the presidents of Belarus and Russia in Moscow. The Ukrainian side was notified of the details of the talks between the two heads of state.
Lukashenko: Facts testify Ukraine wanted this conflict
According to the president, such facts, which are hidden from mass media, indicate that Ukraine wanted this conflict. “They did nothing to prevent it. They constantly hyped up tensions. Even after the recognition of these republics. Stop! Who are you going to fight against? A most powerful nuclear power," he said.
Lukashenko explains why Ukraine should embark on talks with Russia
Ukraine should embark on talks with Russia, because it will gain more from it than from the escalation of the conflict and, as a result, the loss in the war, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko told the media.
Lukashenko specifies conditions for Russia-Ukraine negotiations
Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “It is necessary to start negotiations in order to prevent this [bloodshed] in Ukraine and stop the escalation but Russia will never begin negotiations with them if the matters that will be discussed are not reconciled in advance. Russia has specified them for NATO, for America, and for Ukraine."
Lukashenko against involvement of ‘Western puppeteers' in Ukraine conflict resolution
The head of state is convinced that this is the only chance today to stop the escalation and avoid a full-scale war. “Perhaps, this is the chance to stop this conflict, to solve all the issues. Maybe they will hear me. We will not be mediators here, we do not need any mediation: this war is already here,” the president stressed.
Lukashenko on how Russia's demands for security guarantees concern Belarus
Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko was asked by BelTA on how Russia's demands for security guarantees concern Belarus.
Lukashenko: Western sanctions left no alternative for Belarus
When the USA and the West as a whole imposed sanctions, they left no alternative for Belarus, President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a special meeting with the military on 24 February.
Belarus to decide on LNR's, DNR's recognition soon
Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “Putin and I have said we have other things to do today. That's the first consideration. Second, it is not a problem. Third, we have to clearly understand what will happen as a result of this step. Nevertheless, it is not a problem.”
