Makei: nuclear weapon is not a solution to problems in Ukraine, diplomacy needed

On the side-lines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Belarus’ Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei was interviewed by FRANCE 24 TV channel

“We are very concerned about what is happening in Ukraine. Ukraine is our neighbour. We are three Slavic peoples, and we are interested in peace and stability in the region," Mr. Makei stressed. He reminded a French journalist about the events that Belarus experienced during the Great Patriotic War, as well as how the country has been trying to help resolve the conflict in Ukraine since 2014, and that the residents of Donbass live in a state of war for eight years.

In his talk, the Foreign Minister stressed that the use of nuclear weapons is not a solution to the problem of war in Ukraine. According to him, it is necessary ‘to turn to diplomatic negotiations and find a solution’. “This is what our President has repeatedly said. We are interested in ending this conflict as soon as possible,” Mr. Makei stressed.

The Foreign Minister also answered the journalist's questions about Belarus’ relations with Europe, noting that the country has always been in favour of dialogue – even now, despite the sanctions. Belarus is interested in economic relations with European countries since ‘we are neighbours’.