MINSK, 12 October (BelTA) – Vladimir Zelensky should move more swiftly toward negotiations to prevent the disappearance of Ukraine as a state, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko told Russian journalists on the sidelines of the CIS summit in Tajikistan.
When asked when the Ukrainian leadership would finally realize that negotiations are preferable to war, Aleksandr Lukashenko shifted focus, stating that while he once blamed European leaders, Vladimir Zelensky’s own stance must now be the primary concern.
“We have received considerable information in recent days indicating that this is not about the U.S., which is keen to advance the peace process, nor about Russia, which is ready to move forward, nor about the European leaders, but about Vladimir Zelensky. I think he will come to understand this. In fact, I believe he already does,” the Belarusian leader stated.
He also analyzed Zelensky’s predicament, noting: “From his perspective, taking such steps abruptly would redefine his entire identity. My sense is that Vladimir Aleksandrovich is positioning himself to yield to powerful outside pressure, at which point certain decisions will follow.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that delay could lead to catastrophic consequences. “It is necessary to act now, because Russia is advancing on the front lines. I know what I am saying, because I witness it every day. And this could lead to the disappearance of Ukraine as a state,” he remarked.
He further cautioned that Ukraine’s western neighbors have their own strategic interests in the conflict. “Look at Ukraine’s deranged neighbors—first and foremost, those in the West. Certain powers and states already see themselves in Western Ukraine. They are ready to snatch away part of Ukraine, as it was before the Great Patriotic War. You understand what we are talking about. Therefore, the situation is very grave there,” the president said.
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