Lukashenko says Belarus will not be dragged into Ukraine war, but will defend itself with Russia
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated that Belarus will not be drawn into the Ukraine war but will defend itself alongside Russia if necessary. He expressed willingness to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to discuss relations. Lukashenko's comments come amid ongoing joint military exercises with Russia and heightened tensions in the region.
- ▪Lukashenko emphasized that Belarus will only engage in the war if there is aggression on its territory.
- ▪He expressed readiness to meet with Zelenskiy to discuss issues between their countries.
- ▪Belarus has been subject to Western sanctions due to its support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
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Lukashenko says Belarus will not be dragged into Ukraine war, but will defend itself with RussiaSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxBelarusian President Alexander Lukashenko visits a missile brigade of the Armed Forces during joint Russian-Belarusian nuclear exercises, in the Asipovichy district, Mogilev region, Belarus, May 21, 2026. President of the Republic of Belarus/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT.Published May 22, 2026, 04:24 AMUpdated May 22, 2026, 04:24 AMMOSCOW, May 21 - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday dismissed any notion that Belarus would be dragged into the Ukraine war, but said Russia and Belarus would jointly defend themselves in case of aggression, Belarusian state…
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