Self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko believes that Russia cannot lose the war against Ukraine, as it would result in significant consequences for all parties involved. In an interview with Time magazine, he expressed the view that peace negotiations might be the only way to end the conflict, provided both sides agree to mutual concessions, reports Baltimore Chronicle, citing Time.
Lukashenko stated that Russia might agree to an air ceasefire, but only if Ukraine also takes similar steps. He expressed hope that both sides could agree on a new type of border — a regular one with enhanced security, rather than a “demilitarized dead zone.”
Lukashenko also suggested that Ukraine has already effectively lost its sovereignty, as it is heavily dependent on financial and military support from the U.S. and Europe. According to him, if Ukraine is not cautious, it may lose Kyiv just as it has already lost control of parts of its eastern and southern territories. However, he refrained from elaborating on potential concessions from Russia to end the war. The Belarusian leader proposed that the U.S. recognize Russia’s claims to four regions in southern and eastern Ukraine, even though these areas are not fully occupied. Lukashenko remarked that such a step might satisfy Putin’s imperial ambitions and stop him from further territorial expansion.
Earlier we wrote that ISW assessed the consequences of yesterday’s meeting between Putin and Lukashenko in Moscow.