Aliaksandr Lukashenka said while speaking to journalists in Bishkek that he does not seek to serve as a mediator between Ukraine and Russia, but claimed that everyone except Volodymyr Zelensky allegedly agrees to hold peace talks in Minsk.
“I do not like any mediation. What kind of mediator would I be? We are aggressors together with Vladimir Vladimirovich. You hear that everyone agrees to negotiate in Belarus, to cooperate with Belarus, except Volodya Zelensky. Why did I offend him so much? Therefore I am not seeking this.
But I said yesterday: if it is needed, and this is the most optimal moment, and in order to fix what happened back then in the Normandy Four, when the Europeans came without the United States, the most reasonable idea would be to return to or continue the negotiations conducted back in 2015. If yes, then please, you are welcome. You will be in the front rows,” Lukashenka said.
Lukashenka also advised Ukraine to agree to Russia’s proposed conditions for peace.
Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Belarus together with Turkey could play a “constructive mediating role.” Lukashenka has repeatedly reiterated the idea that Belarus does not seek mediation but is ready to host talks. Zelensky has repeatedly said he does not consider Belarus an acceptable venue for negotiations.