Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko: Russia has never been against peace

MINSK, 19 January (BelTA) - Russia has never been against peace, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Minsk on 19 January, BelTA has learned.

“We are doing everything I have promised, everything Russia needs in this difficult period [the special operation of the Russian Federation in Ukraine]. I think [Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs] Sergei Aleinik will tell you everything in detail,” the Belarusian president said.

“I listened to your yesterday's press conference. I heard all your statements. I totally support all of them. In any contacts that we have with the West, others, we say that Russia has never been against peace. Let us negotiate. We are ready to take part in talks. You should have no doubt about that. If something is needed on our part and we can do it (you know very well what we can do), say it straight, we will work together, side-by-side,” the Belarusian leader stressed.

According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, the West is trying to use Ukraine against Belarus. “Today, security for us, not only for Russia, is more important than before. You know the intentions of our western neighbors. Not only those of Ukraine. They are trying to use Ukraine against Belarus. But what amazes and pleasantly surprises me is that Ukraine has managed to resist so far. It has not yet engaged in provocations against Belarus. Although it is actively encouraged by our western neighbors. You know who these neighbors are,” the president said.

“We have to withstand this period. The past year 2022 has shown that we can do it. We are on the same page here. In short, we have a lot to talk about, discuss issues,” the head of state said.

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