Belarusian president says his country has domestic challenges of its own

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has said Belarus does not need war or confrontation, noting that his country has sufficient territory, economic resources and domestic challenges of its own.

Speaking at a meeting with Moscow Region Governor Andrei Vorobyov, he stated that the country seeks “peace and only peace,” provided it comes with reliable guarantees, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“Therefore, no confrontation — there is no need to stir things up. I say this so that you understand my position. I do not hide it. Peace and only peace. But with a full guarantee that they will not play games with us and, as [Russian President Vladimir] Putin says, deceive us once again, because deceiving Russia would simply strike Belarus,” Lukashenko added.

Lukashenko described Ukraine as “a bargaining chip in a big game” and said Kyiv should pursue negotiations.

“Come on, guys, let’s negotiate. We need serious negotiations. There is no need to stir things up, no need to shout, no need to try to punch someone in the face, as the Russians say, and so on,” he explained.

The Belarusian leader also questioned the prospect of military confrontation with Ukrainians.

“How can we fight against Ukrainians here when, on the other side, it is mainly territorial defence forces? Are we supposed to shoot at tractor drivers, milkmaids and working people who do not want to fight Belarusians? We do not want to fight Ukrainians either. Therefore, Andrei, so that you understand, our position is a peace-loving one,” Lukashenko emphasised.

In his view, Belarus would remain aligned with Russia under any circumstances.

“There can be no other way,” he said.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov