Lukashenko stated that it was evident that neither side in the conflict could realistically achieve victory on the battlefield, even as Russian forces continue to make gains.
In an interview published on Monday, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a key ally of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, asserted that both Russia and Ukraine must seek compromise to bring an end to the war, which has been ongoing for over four years with no resolution in sight.
Lukashenko, whose post-Soviet nation has been strengthening ties with Washington, also indicated that he would not exclude the possibility of meeting with US President Donald Trump.
Speaking to Al Arabiya television, Lukashenko said it was obvious that winning on the battlefield was not a realistic outcome for either party in the Russia-Ukraine war, despite noting that Russian troops are still advancing.
“Today, we need to use any steps to reach a peaceful agreement through compromises. For the long term,” he remarked in the interview, which was also published by Belarus’ Belta news agency.
“If they realise on both sides … you can’t go further, otherwise there will be escalation and an even worse situation … If this sinks into the minds of the fighters and their supporters, it means a compromise can be reached.”
Belarus permitted Russia to use its territory for the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and has allowed Moscow to station nuclear weapons on its land.