Alexander Lukashenko on the conflict in the East of Ukraine: it was a misunderstanding and I need to finish
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko called the conflict in Eastern Ukraine “a misunderstanding” and said that “personally aches for what is happening there”. Lukashenka said at a meeting with Ukrainian politician Viktor Medvedchuk.
Lukashenko noted that it is “important to hear the position of Victor Medvedchuk” the events unfolding in Ukraine. “It’s important to me not only because I personally care about what is happening there, but because it is our native Ukraine. I have served many times I have been there, and not hide the fact that my ancient roots are somewhere between Chernigov and Kiev”, — he explained.
According to Lukashenka, “the basis of all are and our relationship with Ukraine.” He added that at the beginning of the conflict to Belarus “to 150 thousand people flooded from Ukraine”:
And we have provided them with equal conditions and rights with our Belarusians. Although if it was easy. But, thank God, nothing happened.
The President noted that it is also important information that is related to normalization of the situation between Russia and Ukraine. “From the point of view of our future behavior — Belarus — it is very important your information. You [Medvedchuk] needs me to provide a useful guide in this situation,” — said Lukashenko.
Medvedchuk noted that Minsk was “not just a site of fraternal, friendly Belarusian people, but also hope that a peaceful settlement is still to come” for many Ukrainians who “want peace in the Donbas.”
In October 2018 Lukashenko has noted that the authorities of Belarussii “ready to engage in this conflict.” In his opinion, the problem in Eastern Ukraine needs to solve the “three Slavic people”, and not Europe, USA or anyone else. “We did not ask any mediators or peacekeepers. We just care about you. And if there’s anything we can can do for you, we are ready,” added the President.