Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has warned Ukraine that it could lose all of its territory if it continues to fight for it. Lukashenko made this statement during a two-hour interview with Ukrainian journalist Diana Panchenko in Minsk. He expressed his concerns about seeing a country with so much potential being ruined by oligarchs.
When asked about what Ukraine should do to preserve its statehood, Lukashenko emphasized the importance of ending the war. He acknowledged that Ukraine has the right to fight for its territories in Donbass, Kherson, and Zaporozhye but urged them to consider alternative methods. He further explained that if Ukraine chooses to fight for these territories, it will inevitably lose others, pointing to the areas further west.
Currently, the Ukrainian government is determined to restore its 1991 borders, which include Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, Zaporozhye, and Crimea. However, Lukashenko argued that Russia could crush the Ukrainian military on the front and cut off Kiev from the sea by taking Odessa. He suggested that Poland, with US support, could then move into western regions, ultimately leading to the disintegration of Ukraine as it currently exists.
Lukashenko also noted that Russia’s main objective in Ukraine has already been achieved. He explained that Moscow cannot accept an aggressive and hostile regime on its doorstep. Therefore, he advised Ukraine to figure out its identity and understand its current situation before thinking about its future.
The Belarusian president criticized the lack of order in Ukraine, where conscription passes are being bought and sold, and people can be randomly taken off the street and sent to the front lines. Lukashenko stressed the need for Ukraine to restore order based on normal principles, including justice, and build a society that protects its people.
Drawing on his own country’s experience after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Lukashenko highlighted Belarus’ decision to resist the pressure to privatize everything and transition to a Western-style economy. He contrasted this with Ukraine, where oligarchs took control of everything after privatization. Lukashenko praised Ukraine as a rich country with abundant natural resources and a favorable climate, urging them to start taking the necessary steps towards rebuilding their economy and improving the lives of their people.
In conclusion, Lukashenko’s message to Ukraine is clear – they need to end the war and choose a different approach to preserve their statehood. He urged Ukraine to restore order, build a strong army that protects its people, and focus on rebuilding its economy. Lukashenko believes that Ukraine has great potential and can overcome its challenges if it takes the necessary steps towards stability and development.
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