Lukashenka: Countries Should Not Become Dependent on Major Powers

Reform.news Editorial Team · 16 October 2026, 18:14

https://reform.news/en/lukashenka-countries-should-not-become-dependent-on-major-powers/

Aliaksandr Lukashenka said during a visit to the Vierkhniadzvinsk District that elections should be held in Ukraine, but the United States should not dictate anything to Kyiv. He also warned of the dangers of becoming dependent on major powers and said that certain forces in nature could stop the United States.

A journalist from the presidential press pool asked him to comment on Donald Trump’s remarks that a settlement to the conflict in Ukraine was possible, but no longer with Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Lukashenka stressed that Ukraine’s president should be chosen by the Ukrainian people, not Trump.

“Do you want an answer from me as a politician, or do you want my substantive position? If you want my substantive position, this is my credo: it is not Trump’s decision. The Ukrainian people will decide who will be president of Ukraine.

As for Volodymyr Zelenskyy, well, first of all, he once promised that he would serve one term and that would be it. Promises must be kept. Right? Right. In his place… well, God forbid, of course, but I have to say that he should run in the elections. Trump is right on this point: if you made a promise, you must keep it. But he should not dictate terms. Trump should not dictate how Ukraine should act,” Lukashenka said.

Lukashenka stressed that it was dangerous for countries to become dependent on larger states and cited relations between Belarus and Russia as an example. In his view, Minsk and Moscow enjoy friendly relations, and Russia sees value in Belarus.

“But, on the other hand, why is he dictating terms? Because Zelenskyy has become dependent on the United States, on Trump himself. There you have it: Trump may refrain from dictating terms, but first Ukraine will receive intelligence support, and then weapons. Things it desperately needs, and perhaps something beyond weapons as well.

So that is the second lesson: do not become dependent. Especially on major powers. Be friends with them and do everything necessary to ensure that they maintain friendly relations with you. We are friends with Russia and do everything to ensure that Russia sees value in us. Otherwise, why would it want to maintain friendly relations with Belarusians and Belarus? It must see value in us.

The same applies to Ukraine. But you need to keep your finger on the pulse in this regard and avoid becoming dependent on these states,” Lukashenka said.

Lukashenka admitted that he had wanted Trump to become US president and was waiting for results from him. At the same time, he believes the United States should be more cautious, as certain forces could “put it in its place”.

“That is why Donald should be careful. Although I wanted him to become president and believe he can still achieve a great deal — he has only served half of his term — he should not act as though he can order everyone around. Or take Iran: they bombed the country and killed its leadership in certain cities. And they talk about it and boast about it. What is that?

Yes, they are powerful now, and they believe there is no force that can stop them. They are mistaken. Everyone claims to love and worship God, but He sees everything and can strike them very hard. So they need to be more careful. We do not know for certain — and you will agree with me — how many forces there are in nature that can put the powerful of this world in their place. That must be remembered,” Lukashenka warned.