Lukashenko commented on negotiations with US
Speaking today at the Federation Council during his official visit to Russia, President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko has commented on the ongoing negotiations between Russia and the US over the situation in Ukraine and the possibility of Western companies returning to the Russian market, BelTA reports
The Head of State emphasised that both Belarus and Russia should primarily focus on their national interests and build their policies without looking at anyone from the outside. “If we have a challenge in Ukraine today, we have to solve it: either to fight or to come to an agreement. This is elementary. If we can fight – let’s fight. If we can’t – let’s move towards peace so that people don’t die,” he said.
In this regard, Aleksandr Lukashenko thanked US President Donald Trump for his efforts to end hostilities, but at the same time drew attention to the lack of concrete proposals from the American side. “Thank you, Donald, for setting a goal to help us establish peace. However, we shouldn’t rush into all this talk. Facts on the table. We should look at them so that they don’t harm us,” the Belarusian leader noted.
For example, if we are talking about the possibility of the return of Western companies, national interests should also be put at the centre. As the President noted, on the whole, such a possibility does not raise concerns about increased competition, since both Belarus and Russia have long been operating in open market conditions, competing with other companies. “It has never been easy for us. But the West wants to come back. We will consider all proposals based on the situation on the ground, militarily speaking. If this production is profitable for us, we will accept it,” the Head of State explained. As for granting any preferences, this issue will be resolved positively only if Belarus or Russia are interested in some special, unique technologies. “Instead of a general welcome,” the President warned. “Where are the guarantees that they will come and everything will be fine?”
In this regard, he drew attention to the US policy on Ukraine and rare earth metals. “Donald spouted off that they would dig in at the border and it would be the best defence against Russia. What’s he wrong about? Are we going to attack the careers of American companies that will be working there? You see what kind of ambitions they have. So we need to calmly look at all their proposals.”
According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, during the meeting with Vladimir Putin, scheduled for the evening of March 14th, they intend to discuss, among other things, the issues of negotiations with the United States.
“I am sure Americans don’t have any plan; they are studying the situation. Let’s see what they want,” the Head of State said. According to him, this pattern of behaviour is typical of Donald Trump and his team: they monitor the situation around the world in search of profitable issues and proposals.
“They want to feel around for something and make an offer... And then it all starts: one statement in the morning, another in the evening, a third at lunchtime, each contradicting the others. It becomes even more difficult to sort them out. That’s why we have to take it calmly, which is what you [the Russian leadership] are doing. Well done! Mass media are in uproar… But you are doing the right thing. We are watching. We are now receiving and processing information, as security officers say. We’ll respond later,” the Belarusian leader said.
