Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko has claimed that the war between Ukraine and Russia could end as early as this year, warning Kyiv that the terms of a future peace settlement could become significantly worse. At the same time, he acknowledged that the prolonged fighting is exhausting not only Ukraine but also the Russian economy.
Lukashenko made the remarks during a working visit to the Vitebsk region, according to the Belarusian outlet Delovaya Stolitsa.
Lukashenko believes that the end of the war is inevitable and that a peace agreement could be reached in the near future.
“And this peace will come. If not this year, then next year. I am absolutely convinced of that,” Lukashenko declared.
He also urged Ukraine not to delay negotiations, effectively warning that its negotiating position could deteriorate.
“If Ukrainians do not agree to a peace settlement this year, it will be even more difficult next year, and after that, impossible,” he stressed.
Lukashenko also acknowledged that Russia is suffering serious economic exhaustion as a result of the war, although it still possesses substantial military capabilities and resources.
“The exhaustion is severe, and the impact on the economy is enormous. You can see that too. Who benefits from this? Who needs it? Russians understand this, and they are ready for peace,” he claimed.
Separately, Lukashenko commented on US President Donald Trump’s calls for elections in Ukraine and a change in the country’s political leadership.
He emphasized that the American president should not decide who leads Ukraine, arguing that this decision belongs exclusively to the Ukrainian people.
“It is not up to Trump to decide who will be president of Ukraine. That is for the Ukrainian people to decide,” Lukashenko declared.
At the same time, he partially supported Trump’s position on the need to hold elections, recalling that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously promised to serve only one presidential term.
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