Lukashenko Warns Belarus Entry Could Pit NATO at War
Lukashenko says Belarus joining the Ukraine conflict could turn it into a Belarus-Russia war against NATO and argues talks are needed.
Belarus entering the conflict in Ukraine would sharply change the nature of the fighting, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said in an interview with Al Arabiya, warning that such a step would effectively turn the confrontation into a war involving Belarus and Russia against NATO.
According to Lukashenko, if Minsk became directly involved, NATO countries supporting Kyiv could send their own forces into Ukraine. He said that scenario would give the war a different scale and quality.
The Belarusian leader also argued that the conflict could end as early as 2026, provided there is political will from a small number of key figures.
At the same time, Lukashenko said he does not believe there is a military solution to the crisis in Ukraine. In his view, a way out requires negotiations involving himself, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Vladimir Zelensky. He noted that he had already proposed such a format and still considers it relevant.
Lukashenko also commented on the situation at the front. He said Russian forces are advancing steadily, while Ukrainian troops are at times defending successfully but, in his assessment, not as successfully as the Russian side.