Lukashenko Ready to Meet Zelensky, Rules Out War Entry

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has said Belarus will not engage in the war in Ukraine unless it faces aggression against its own territory, according to the Belta news agency. He was responding to statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about Belarus's possible involvement in the conflict.

Lukashenko said that in the event of an attack on Belarus, the country would defend its territory "from Brest to Vladivostok" together with Russia. He stressed, however, that Minsk had no interest in entering the war for either civilian or military reasons.

The Belarusian leader said he was ready to meet Zelensky and discuss bilateral relations, indicating he would be willing to hold talks in either country.

Lukashenko questioned the reasons behind what he described as harsh statements from Kyiv. "Does he want to fight with Belarus? With Russia and Belarus? I am sure he does not. I know the opinion of the Ukrainian army. They do not need another front", he said. He also referred to pressure from European countries on Ukraine at a time when Belarus is engaged in dialogue with the United States.

Lukashenko dismissed concerns about intimidation or blackmail over Ukrainian refugees, saying he was accustomed to such pressure and did not consider it an issue.

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