Belarus' Lukashenko urges Russia and Ukraine to seek compromise for peace
Kremlin ally calls victory unrealistic for both sides after 4+ years of war.
In a notable shift from his previous hardline stance, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko—one of Vladimir Putin's closest allies—stated in an interview with Al Arabiya that both Russia and Ukraine must make compromises to end the ongoing war. He emphasized that victory on the battlefield is unrealistic for either side, even as Russian forces continue to advance. Lukashenko called for 'any steps to reach a peaceful agreement through compromises for the long term,' warning that without such moves, escalation could lead to an even worse situation.
Lukashenko's comments come amid improving ties between Belarus and Washington, and he did not rule out a meeting with US President Donald Trump. The Belarusian leader allowed Russia to use his country's territory for the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and has permitted Moscow to deploy nuclear weapons on Belarusian soil. His current call for diplomacy signals a potential shift in rhetoric, though his actions remain closely aligned with Russia.
- Lukashenko said victory on the battlefield is unrealistic for both Russia and Ukraine, despite Russian advances.
- He urged both sides to reach a peaceful agreement through compromises to avoid further escalation.
- Belarus hosts Russian nuclear weapons and allowed its territory to be used for the 2022 invasion.
Why It Matters
A top Putin ally publicly acknowledging the war's stalemate could signal pressure for peace negotiations.