“Otherwise there is a risk of nuclear fires”
Lukashenko calls for an unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine
03/31/2023, 11:38 am
Alexander Lukashenko is actually addressing the Belarusian people in a speech to the nation. However, the President makes an appeal – first of all – to Ukraine. His tenor: first the ceasefire, then clarify the remaining issues at the negotiating table.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has called for an “unconditional” ceasefire in Ukraine. “It has to stop now before it escalates any further,” Lukashenko said in a speech to the nation. “All territorial issues, reconstruction, security and other issues should and can be settled at the negotiating table.” He warned Ukraine of the widely expected counter-offensive. This would make negotiations between the governments in Moscow and Kiev impossible.
From Lukashenko’s point of view, the fighting must be stopped immediately. The troops are to remain in their current positions, with no further arms deliveries from the West to Ukraine. The Russian armaments industry is about to pick up speed. According to the ruler, Ukraine will be destroyed after the industry is running at full speed.
Lukashenko spoke of a “risk” that he was taking by demanding an end to the hostilities, without going into details. At the same time, the Belarusian president accused the “USA and their satellites” of having unleashed a “full-scale war” in Ukraine. Because of Western support for Kiev, “a third world war with nuclear fires is looming on the horizon,” Lukashenko said in the televised speech.
The demand is reminiscent of the last threats made by Moscow. Lukashenko is considered to be heavily dependent on the Kremlin politically, economically and militarily. Lukashenko called Kiev’s preconditions for talks, including the withdrawal of Russian troops from occupied territory in Ukraine, “ridiculous”. Belarus is giving up its military bases to Russian attacks on Ukraine. Russia now also wants to station tactical nuclear weapons there.