Lukashenko: Russia will never fight if sensible talks held with Ukraine

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has expressed his readiness to facilitate peace talks involving Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

In an interview with the American magazine Time, Lukashenko proposed that the negotiations could take place in cities such as Minsk, Istanbul, or Geneva, Caliber.Az reports.

He suggested a structured, multi-day meeting, with initial discussions focused on US-Russia relations, followed by talks including Ukraine and Belarus.

“If the talks are conducted sensibly, with mutual concessions — Russia making compromises to Ukraine and vice versa — then Russia will never again wage war against Ukraine. Never,” Lukashenko said, emphasising the importance of reasoned diplomacy to prevent future conflicts.

Since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, international efforts to mediate the conflict have intensified, involving a range of diplomatic initiatives aimed at halting hostilities and paving the way for peace.

Türkiye has played a particularly prominent role, using its strategic position on the Black Sea to broker the Black Sea Grain Initiative. This landmark agreement allowed Ukraine to resume vital grain exports, alleviating a significant global food crisis caused by disrupted supply chains.

The deal also highlighted the potential for dialogue between the warring parties, despite ongoing tensions.

At the global level, the United Nations has consistently called for ceasefires and renewed negotiations. While Russia’s veto power has limited decisive action within the Security Council, the UN General Assembly has passed strong resolutions condemning the invasion and urging peaceful dialogue.

Beyond political statements, the UN has worked to facilitate humanitarian aid and prisoner exchanges, maintaining a diplomatic presence in the conflict.

European powers, particularly Germany and France, have sought to revive and sustain diplomatic talks through the Normandy Format.

Though formal negotiations have stalled since the conflict’s escalation, European leaders continue to engage with both Moscow and Kyiv, emphasising the importance of dialogue alongside military and economic support for Ukraine.

By Aghakazim Guliyev