Lukashenko demands Belarus's inclusion in peace talks
Alexander Lukashenko demands that Belarus be invited to participate in future peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. The leader fears that agreements might be made at the negotiating table forcing him to "give up half of Belarus."
Many of the reports from Russian and Belarusian media or government representatives are part of propaganda. Such reports are components of the information war conducted by the Russian Federation.
Lukashenko's words were quoted on Saturday by the Ukrainian agency UNIAN.
I have always insisted and told the Ukrainians about this, and Vladimir Putin warned that Belarusians should be present in negotiations regarding Ukraine. Why? Because this is our problem. I don't want these matters, our matters, to be resolved there without us - stated Lukashenko.
According to him, the result of peace talks conducted without the participation of the authorities in Minsk could be a situation in which "tomorrow half of Belarus will have to be given away." However, Lukashenko did not specify what that would entail.
The leader also argued that Belarus's "enemies" are "creating entire schemes to prevent him from participating in the negotiations."
Putin reacts to Zelensky's "peace plan"
Meanwhile, contrary to Lukashenko's suggestions, messages from Moscow indicate a distancing from the prospect of starting peace talks.
On Friday, Putin commented on the "peace plan" announced on Wednesday by Volodymyr Zelensky. I already told you: The Ukrainian side does not consider it possible to conduct any negotiations at all. She just formulates some of her requirements, and that's it. This is not a negotiation - said the Russian leader.
Zelensky's peace plan consists of five points. A key element is that Ukraine will be invited to NATO shortly. The second point calls for strengthening Ukrainian defence and transferring the war to Russian territory. Details of this point are included in a classified appendix.
The third point concerns deterring Russian aggression, which is also covered by a classified appendix available to the leaders of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Italy.
The fourth point of the plan concerns rebuilding Ukraine's strategic and economic potential. It contains another classified appendix shared with the US and EU and includes special agreements with partners.
The fifth point refers to the post-war period. Ukrainian experiences should benefit NATO and Europe's defence capabilities. Ukraine suggests replacing American troops stationed in Europe with Ukrainian armed forces.
