Events

MINSK, 29 January (BelTA) – When asked whether the attitude of the West towards Belarus has changed in view of the country’s stance on the conflict in Ukraine, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said he does not expect any major shifts in relations between Belarus and the West prior to the presidential election. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the statement during an open dialogue with mass media on 29 January, BelTA has learned.

“As far as the attitude of Europe and America towards Belarus in view of our stance on Ukrainian problems is concerned, I cannot say that I am not interested in the matter. Certainly, I see what is going on in our Western partners in view of our stance. But I don’t revel in it, in the fact that this turn of events has helped us. I don’t think like that. And it is not the way I think about other matters. First of all, I don’t trust Western partners a lot. It is politics. Today the stance of Belarus is advantageous for the West and they will thank us for some matters. We hear them but not more than that,” noted the head of state.

“Moreover, I am a pragmatist and understand perfectly well: there will be no major shifts in relations of Europe, America and Belarus prior to the presidential election. I am okay with that,” said the President. “It is not a problem for us if it is not a problem for Europeans and Americans either. The only thing I would like is for Europe, which is not exactly a lot worried by the crisis because it is taking place somewhere else, for the United States of America, which is far from this crisis, and for Russia, which is in the thick of the crisis, and for Belarus, which is not on the sidelines and it is possible that these events may spread onto the territory of both Belarus and Russia, I would like all of us to unite to do our utmost to stop the war”.