The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the recall of its ambassador to Belarus, Igor Kizim, for consultations following a high-level meeting in Minsk the day before, where President Alexander Lukashenko hosted Denis Pushilin, the deputy head of the Donetsk People’s Republic. This development was reported by TASS, citing the Belarusian statement from Kyiv’s foreign ministry.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Igor Kizim would be recalled to Kyiv for discussions. The message described the Minsk talks as an action that openly challenged Ukraine, signaling a shift in diplomatic posture in response to events along the border and in the broader dispute over the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
The memo from Kyiv also condemned the meeting between Lukashenko and Pushilin as an overtly hostile act, underscoring Kyiv’s view of Minsk’s involvement as support for separatist governance in Donetsk.
April 18 marked the first formal discussions held by the Donetsk People’s Republic since its entry into Russia’s orbit, a session that underscored the evolving diplomatic and security dynamics in the region. During the talks, Lukashenko conveyed a message of support from Minsk, outlining assistance aimed at stabilizing daily life for residents of Donetsk amid ongoing clashes and shelling. He emphasized the hardship faced by civilians and the urgency of addressing humanitarian and logistical needs as the conflict persisted.
Lukashenko also highlighted a plan for substantial work ahead, noting the necessity of reconstituting damaged infrastructure and reviving economic activity in the DPR. He pointed to efforts to restore industrial capacity and agricultural production, framing them as essential elements to rebuild living standards and reduce the impact of the conflict on ordinary citizens. These remarks reflected a broader objective of aligning Minsk’s role with regional stabilization efforts and the reconstruction agenda in Donetsk in the near to medium term.