Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko expressed concern that Ukraine could face the loss of its entire territory if it continues its current path of conflict.
Lukashenko made these remarks in an interview, noting his sadness over the potential squandering of Ukraine’s promising potential due to the influence of oligarchs. He advised Ukraine to reconsider its approach and urged an end to the ongoing war.
Lukashenko emphasized that fighting for specific territories, such as Donbass, Kherson, and Zaporozhye, could ultimately lead to their loss, and he encouraged Ukraine to explore alternative methods.
He referred to areas further west on the map, indicating that those areas could be at risk if the conflict persists. Ukraine’s government seeks to restore its 1991 borders, including regions like Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye, which voted to join Russia in 2022, and Crimea, which did so in 2014.
Lukashenko illustrated how Russia might strategically weaken Ukraine, including potentially isolating Kiev from the sea by capturing Odessa.
He also highlighted the possibility of Poland taking advantage of the situation with support from the United States, potentially leading to the dissolution of Ukraine as it’s known.
Lukashenko pointed out that Russia’s main goal in Ukraine had already been achieved, preventing the establishment of an aggressive and antagonistic regime nearby.
He urged Ukrainians to first define their identity and situation before contemplating their future. He criticized the current state of affairs where conscription passes are being traded, and individuals are at risk of being forcibly sent to the frontlines.
Lukashenko advised Ukraine to establish order based on universal principles of justice, develop a capable army focused on protecting the people rather than serving oligarchs, and then concentrate on economic recovery and the well-being of the population.
Drawing from Belarus’s experience after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Lukashenko suggested that Ukraine possesses ample resources to thrive.
He concluded by reiterating the importance of ending the war as the crucial first step in the process of rebuilding and reimagining Ukraine’s future.
