Lukashenko: West tries to use Ukraine against Belarus, but it resists provocations
The West is trying to use Ukraine against Belarus, but it still resists and doesn’t succumb to provocations – as stated today by the President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, during his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
“Today, security is even more important for us, not only for Russia,” the Belarusian leader stressed. “You are aware of the intentions of our neighbours, not only Ukraine. They are trying to use Ukraine against Belarus as well. But what amazes and pleasantly surprises me is that Ukraine still resists and doesn’t succumb to provocations against Belarus. Although our western neighbours are actively pushing it towards it, and you also know who. So, we have to withstand this time. But the past 2022 has shown that we will survive. Here we are in the same position with you.”
During the meeting, in particular, the issues related to Russia’s conduct of a special military operation in Ukraine were tackled. Aleksandr Lukashenko noted on this occasion, “We are doing everything that I promised, everything that is needed for Russia in this difficult period (what is there for Russia, for us – for Russia and Belarus). I think Sergei Fedorovich [Aleinik, Belarus’ Foreign Minister] will tell you in detail about this. I listened to your press conference and heard all your statements. I absolutely support them. In any contacts that we have with the West and others, we say that Russia has never been against peace. Please, let’s negotiate. We are ready to participate in this. This should not be doubted. If something is needed on our part, and we can do it (you know well what we can do), say it straight. We will work together, hand in hand. We will not deviate or play the double game here.”
Sergei Lavrov noted, “As far as the special military operation is concerned, together with our Belarusian allies and friends, we are taking all the necessary measures to protect ourselves from possible encroachments of our Western neighbours. We see how in the north of Europe, which was largely a neutral territory, NATO is now settling in Finland and Sweden. All this is very close to our borders. I completely agree with you that the agreements that the two presidents reach in the military-technical and defence co-operation are very timely in terms of readiness for any development of events. We are peaceful people, but our armoured train is where it should be.”
