Lukashenko Says He Is Ready to Meet Zelensky ‘Anywhere’ in Ukraine or Belarus
Kyiv Post • • world
Key Points:
- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko expressed readiness to hold direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at any time and place in Ukraine or Belarus, despite the ongoing war and frozen diplomatic relations.
- Lukashenko stated that Belarus does not intend to participate directly in Russia's war against Ukraine unless Belarusian territory is attacked, emphasizing no civilian or military need for involvement.
- Belarus has allowed Russian troops to use its territory for military operations early in the invasion but continues to deny plans for direct participation, while maintaining close ties with Russia.
- Ukraine has intensified security measures along its northern borders with Russia and Belarus, describing the operation as unprecedented in scale, amid concerns over potential Belarusian involvement in the conflict.
- Ukrainian intelligence reports indicate Russia is attempting to involve Belarus more directly in the war, with plans possibly involving Belarusian forces moving toward the Chernihiv-Kyiv axis, prompting Kyiv to prepare responses for various enemy scenarios.