Belarus leader praises Trump’s handling of Ukraine crisis

MINSK - Belarusian leader and Russian ally Alexander Lukashenko said in remarks published on March 5 that Moscow and Minsk benefit from how the US treats Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and the rift between Washington and the European Union.

In an interview with Mr Mario Nawfal, a media personality on Mr Elon Musk’s social media platform X, Mr Lukashenko enthusiastically embraced US President Donald Trump and his approach towards the war in Ukraine.

“It is only because of this administration that the issue of ending the war has become so urgent,” Mr Lukashenko, who in January extended his 31-year reign in a presidential election Western governments rejected as a sham, told Mr Nawfal.

“It benefits us that (Trump) showed Zelensky his place, he should know it.”

The war in Ukraine has brought Mr Lukashenko closer than ever to Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose invasion was launched in part from Belarusian territory. Mr Putin has also since deployed Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.

The Belarusian leader said that Mr Trump had no goal other than to end wars, which he called a “brilliant” foreign policy.

“I am ready to stand next to him and do everything that is necessary to end the war and improve people’s lives,” Mr Lukashenko said.

The EU and the US have imposed several waves of sanctions on Minsk in response to repression and human rights violations, following the 2020 presidential vote and the country’s involvement in the Russian aggression against Ukraine.

The recent rift between the US and the EU are in the interests of Minsk, Mr Lukashenko said.

“Let’s be honest, it’s beneficial for me, it’s useful for us that the US and the EU have disagreements,” Mr Lukashenko said without elaborating. REUTERS