Aliaksandr Lukashenka believes that the Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East could be brought to an end in 2026. In his view, ending the wars requires only the willingness of a few individuals. He made the remarks in an interview with Al Arabiya English journalist Melinda Nucifora, an excerpt of which was published by Lukashenka’s press service.
“The world is very unsettled right now because of the human factor. These wars were not given to us by God; we brought them upon ourselves. Therefore, we must also think about how to stop them. As for the question you imply — whether it is possible to stop these wars at all, especially here in our region, and not only in ours but also in your region, the Middle East, where you work. More than ever before, we have an opportunity to stop these wars. Everything depends on the desire of literally a few people. If that desire exists, these wars can certainly be ended this year. Even the conflict between Russia and Ukraine can be ended this year,” he said.
Speaking about the situation in the Middle East, Lukashenka expressed confidence that the war would be brought to an end, particularly between the United States and Iran.
“As for the Middle East, there are no other options there. There is no alternative to ending the war. And it will be ended this year. I hope even in the near future, primarily between the United States of America and Iran. Well, as people usually say. Although I do not consider it a war between Americans and Iranians. It is primarily a war between Israel and Iran, into which the Americans have been drawn because of the short-sighted position and policies of certain leaders of the United States. But the circumstances are such that they dictate an end to this war,” he said.
According to him, the current US administration is focused on ending military pressure on Iran, while Israel’s position will depend entirely on Washington.
“And I know the position of the President of the United States, on whom much depends when it comes to ending this war. He is focused on ending it. I stress once again, because there is no other way out. There is no other solution here. And this is what distinguishes this conflict in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman from the war in Ukraine. This is a more complex conflict than the one there, in Iran.
Therefore, objective circumstances and conditions are forcing the American leadership to end US pressure, military pressure on Iran. And Israel will be entirely dependent on the position of the United States, of America. Therefore, I believe these conflicts can be ended this year. And I am not merely hoping — I am confident that they will be ended,” Lukashenka said.
