Łukašenka says he assists Russia in war, but praises Ukraine

January 19, BPN. Alaksandr Łukašenka has admitted that the Belarusian leadership is assisting Russia in its war on Ukraine.

“We are doing everything that I promised and everything that is necessary for Russia in this difficult period. I mean not only Russia. . . For us – for Russia and Belarus,” Łukašenka’s press office quoted him as saying at the January 19 meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Minsk.

“Security is even more important for us, not only for Russia,” Łukašenka said. “You know the designs of our Western neighbors, not only Ukraine. They are trying to use Ukraine against Belarus as well. But what amazes me and pleasantly surprises me is that Ukraine is still holding on. It does not use any provocations against Belarus although our western neighbors are encouraging them. You know who they are, too,” he added.

In February 2022, Russia started a full-scale war against Ukraine. Łukašenka admitted that Belarus participated in Russia’s assault, but said it was “not killing anyone.”

Authorities in Minsk denied Belarusian army troops’ involvement in combat operations on the Russian side. However, Belarus has allowed Russian troops and weapons to move freely through the country, use its airspace, refuel and store military equipment and attack Ukraine from its territory.