Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Friday that U.S. President Donald Trump should not dictate who leads Ukraine, stressing that the decision belongs to the Ukrainian people.
Speaking to journalists, Lukashenko was asked whether peace was possible under Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, following Trump’s calls for a change in leadership in Kyiv and his accusations that Zelenskyy had missed several opportunities to end the war.
“It does not depend on Trump. The Ukrainian people will decide who serves as president of Ukraine,” Lukashenko said.
He noted that Zelenskyy had previously promised to serve only one term, arguing that he should honour that commitment and face the voters.
“Promises must be kept. In this regard, Trump is right: if you make a promise, you must keep it. But there is no need to dictate terms. Trump should not dictate what Ukraine must do,” Lukashenko said.
The Belarusian leader also said he believed peace could be achieved in Ukraine this year or next, arguing that both Moscow and Kyiv had an interest in ending the war because of its consequences for both countries.
“And peace will come. If not this year, then next year. I am absolutely convinced of that,” he added.
Lukashenko, a key ally of Moscow, said Russia had greater military and economic resources and could continue fighting for a long time. However, he acknowledged that the war was taking a heavy toll on the Russian economy.
“The Russians understand this; they are ready for peace,” he said.
He also issued a warning to Ukraine: “As for the Ukrainians, if they do not seek a peaceful solution this year, things will become even more difficult next year and, eventually, it may become impossible.”
