Zelensky rules out Belarus as potential venue for peace talks
May 28, Pozirk. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described potential peace talks with Russia in Belarus as impossible, Interfax Ukraine reported.
Belarus is the aggressor’s ally that allowed Russian troops to launch missiles on Ukraine from its territory and use the country as a launchpad for an offensive, he stressed.
Ukraine considers Turkey, the Vatican and Switzerland, with the Vatican being a venue preferred by all parties except Russia, which has picked Belarus as its preferred location, the Ukrainian leader told journalists yesterday. Some African countries and Malta are also offering their services, he added.
“Everyone has sent signals about their readiness for the next meetings, including Switzerland. The Swiss side really wants it and we are not against it. . . . We have not heard any signals from the Russians,” Zelensky said.
Alaksandar Łukašenka has repeatedly stated that Minsk is ready to host peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, suggesting that he should also sit at the table.
Belarusian authorities have supported the Kremlin since the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, allowing Russian troops to attack Ukraine from Belarus in 2022 and supplying arms to Moscow later.
Belarus’ defense minister: Minsk, Moscow to scale down Zapad-2025
May 28, Pozirk. Minsk and Moscow have decided to nearly half the number of troops to be involved in the upcoming joint Zapad-2025 military exercise and move major maneuvers away from Belarus' western borders, said Belarusian Defense Minister Viktar Chrenin, …