Deputy FM: Belarus must be part of peace talks on Russia-Ukraine conflict

Belarussian Deputy Foreign Minister Yuri Ambrazevich has said that the final agreements regarding the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine must take into account the interests of the Republic of Belarus.

Ambrazevich made these remarks during a meeting of the Consultative Council on the Affairs of Belarusians Abroad, Caliber.Az reports via Belarussian media.

He emphasised Belarus' strong commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. From the very beginning, Belarus has taken peacekeeping steps to prevent the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine.

“That is why we have consistently stated that we expect to be at the table when peace talks begin. For us, it is crucial to receive guarantees for our own security. The final agreements must take into account the interests of Belarus as well,” he noted.

Ambrazevich emphasised that Belarus is uniquely interested in the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine, given the complex situation on its southern borders. 

"Accusations that our country is complicit in aggression seem absurd. Being a neighbour of Ukraine, Belarus is more than anyone else invested in the swift and peaceful resolution of this conflict," he stated. "It is entirely reasonable that no country wants armed hostilities raging at its borders."

Earlier, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko expressed concern over the growing NATO military presence near the Belarusian border, particularly from Lithuania and Poland.

"We are very concerned about the situation in Western Europe, especially along our borders, particularly with Poland and Lithuania. We assess this threat as even greater than that from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Troops are being stationed just 15 kilometres from the border—an alarming proximity—comprising not only Polish and Lithuanian forces, but also NATO armed forces from other countries, including Germany," Lukashenko stated after signing the Security Guarantees Agreement within the Union State.

He further emphasised that Poland’s significant investment in its military raises serious concerns.

"This is a major source of concern for us. It represents a direct threat to the collective strength of our armed forces," he added.

By Naila Huseynova