Opportunity to end Ukraine war higher than ever, says Lukashenko

There is now an unprecedented opportunity to bring the conflict in Ukraine to an end, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said.

“We will sort out the war. I think there is such an opportunity now as never before. No matter how much Ukrainians may resist today, we still need to move toward peace on this land,” Caliber.Az quotes Lukashenko as saying during a meeting with Russia's Kirov Region Governor Alexander Sokolov.

He stressed that Ukrainians should understand that territorial issues are not decisive. “It’s not about a piece here or a piece there. That’s always painful for any country. But people will figure out where they want to live. Territory doesn’t decide everything; land doesn’t decide everything. People will decide for themselves,” the president emphasised.

According to Lukashenko, residents will choose where they feel more comfortable: “If it’s with Russia, as in Crimea and other places, they will live there, live in Russia, and understand that someone can help them more, as Russia is doing even now in difficult times.”

“If it’s in Ukraine, no one will hold them back. Time will pass and put everything in its place. Ukraine should proceed from this, rather than destroying thousands and thousands of people every day,” the president added.

He also pointed to the millions who have fled Ukraine and may never return even after peace is restored, calling this the primary issue that must be recognised.

“I always hint to Ukrainians, as much as possible: no one but us will help them in the postwar period,” Lukashenko said.

He added that the United States could simply shift its priorities and forget about Ukraine. “They may turn their attention to Iran, Yemen, or Taiwan and forget about Ukraine. No one will need Ukraine then. That’s why we need to look ahead,” the Belarusian leader noted.

Lukashenko concluded by saying that understanding is beginning to emerge on all sides: “It seems that everywhere — and we are not without fault here, nor are the Ukrainians — understanding is coming. This is not an easy process, but steps toward each other must be taken.”

By Jeyhun Aghazada