The key facts

  • Lukashenko: “It is not Trump who decides, but the Ukrainian people” — but Zelensky should keep his promise about one term
  • Peace, in his words, will come “this year or next year”; Russia is ready for peace, but the war is hurting its economy
  • He warned that for Ukraine, delaying a peaceful settlement will make achieving it harder

Statement on Trump's role

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Friday to journalists that US President Donald Trump should not dictate to Ukraine who will govern it: according to him, this question is decided by the Ukrainian people. The statement came against the backdrop of Trump's calls for a change of power in Kyiv and his accusations against Volodymyr Zelensky of missed opportunities to end the war. “This is not Trump's business,” the state agency BelTA quoted Lukashenko as saying. “It is the Ukrainian people who will decide who will be president of Ukraine.”

Partial support for criticism of Zelensky

At the same time, Lukashenko recalled that Zelensky had previously promised to serve only one presidential term, and called on him to keep that promise and face the voters. “Promises must be kept,” he said. “In this sense, Trump is right: if you promised, then deliver. But there is no need to dictate terms. Trump should not dictate to Ukraine what it should do.”

Assessment of peace prospects and the sides' resources

Lukashenko, a key ally of Moscow, expressed confidence that peace in Ukraine will be achieved — “if not this year, then next year.” According to him, both Moscow and Kyiv are interested in ending the war because of its consequences for both countries. He noted that Russia possesses large military and economic resources and could fight for a long time, but the war is inflicting heavy damage on its economy. “The Russians understand this; they are ready for peace,” he said. Lukashenko also warned: “As for the Ukrainians — if they do not move toward a peaceful settlement this year, next year it will be even harder, and in the end it may become impossible.”