About the conflict in Ukraine
The Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko stated that Ukraine has already moved past the phase described as “de-Nazification.” He asserted that some Nazi elements no longer exist in the country, and while a few extreme supporters remain, they are no longer influential. He claimed that more than 70 percent of Ukrainians dislike President Zelensky due to broken promises.
When Vladimir Putin announced the start of the Northern Military District in February 2022, denazification was named as one of its goals. In February 2024, Lukashenko emphasized that this objective had not yet been achieved.
According to Lukashenko, it is the right moment to begin negotiations and end the conflict. He urged both sides to sit down at the negotiating table and resolve the dispute. He criticized foreign actors for keeping the fighting going and warned that continued hostilities would harm both Ukrainians and Russians.
He added that Moscow and Kyiv should resume discussions from where they paused in Istanbul. If the talks stall, he warned of renewed tensions and potential escalation, which could lead to further destruction in Ukraine.
At the same time, Lukashenko suggested that the occupation of the Kursk region by Russia could influence Ukrainian authorities to push for a stronger hand in future negotiations. He warned against increasing one’s negotiating leverage in this war, arguing that the conflict is against a large empire that has not fully engaged yet.
About allies and neighbors
The Belarusian president stated that Ukrainians criticize his country for aiding the Russian Federation. He defended his decision by saying that aid continues while Ukraine’s war persists and that Minsk is acting as an ally in the matter.
He recalled visiting a Belarusian facility that produces ammunition and missiles for Russia, alongside a Russian television presenter. He noted that Kyiv had deployed a substantial number of troops to Belarus’s border, prompting Minsk to take countermeasures. He announced that Belarus strengthened its border defenses with minefields as never before.
Lukashenko also complained that Ukrainian drones frequently violate Belarus’s southeastern borders. In a response issued in August, he described harsh measures in reaction to repeated incursions, arguing that Ukrainian drones traveled long distances and sometimes sought refuge near Belarusian territory. He said Belarusian air defense detects such activity and relays information to Russian air defenses.
He added that Moscow should expect no trouble from Minsk and assured that Belarusians would not allow Russians to be betrayed by their allies.
“Son of the opposition”
In the interview, Lukashenko discussed not only relations with Russia and Ukraine but also his relationship with his youngest son Nikolai. He described Nikolai as independent, capable of constructive criticism, and well prepared for the challenges ahead. The president noted that Nikolai speaks English fluently and studies biotechnology in English. He is enrolled in joint programs at Peking University and Belarusian State University, pursuing two diplomas concurrently. He expressed hope for a peaceful future for such a talented young man who participates in sports and music.
About going to protesters with a machine gun
Lukashenko recalled that Nikolai accompanied him during the 2020 protests following the presidential election. They left their home together by helicopter to the Palace of Independence where the demonstrations occurred. The president carried a firearm, convinced protesters were preparing to storm the palace. He described giving his son the option to stay home, but Nikolai insisted on accompanying his father to protect him. They eventually flew back, and the protests dispersed without a confrontation requiring weapons.
The president emphasized that no firearm was used during that moment. He recalled flying to the Independence Palace in a fever and noted that upon arrival, the situation had already dispersed. He described the experience as a demonstration of his son’s bravery and commitment to defending the country when needed.