Minsk positions itself as potential peace broker in Ukraine crisis

Belarusian KGB chief Ivan Tertel has said that Minsk and Washington are engaged in substantive discussions concerning the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, highlighting Belarus’s potential role as a mediator.

Speaking to the state-run BelTA agency, Tertel noted that American officials acknowledge Belarus’s deep understanding of the region and the personal experience of its president, Alexander Lukashenko, in dealing with both Moscow and Kyiv.

“American partners recognise that we, being in this region, and our head of state, who knows the situation, can make a serious contribution to stabilising it. That is why there is now a thorough conversation on the Ukrainian issue. This is the main topic we are discussing with the American side,” he said.

Tertel stressed that Belarus maintains insight into both parties to the conflict. “We know the Ukrainians, we know the Russians. Our president communicates and understands well how things really are. The position of the Republic of Belarus, as well as that of our president, is that we can make a contribution. We are those who understand both the Russian and the Ukrainian sides. We could help find this consensus in that very difficult situation. At least, there are no other options yet,” he stated.

According to Tertel, Belarus’s active dialogue with the United States, its allied ties with Russia, and its traditionally close relations with Ukraine enable it to play a constructive role in promoting a peaceful settlement. “Given our understanding of this history,” he added, “we must still try to resolve this problem.”

By Tamilla Hasanova