Belarus Leader Calls for Compromise to End Ukraine War

Lukashenko, who sits close to Putin, said in a TV interview that both Russia and Ukraine need to find middle ground if the war is ever going to finish. He pointed out that winning on the battlefield seems unlikely for either side, even though Russian troops are still moving forward. The Belarusian president urged all parties to take steps toward a lasting peace, warning that if they keep fighting, the situation could worsen. The interview was shared by a Belarusian news outlet. Lukashenko said that if people on both sides truly understand the limits of fighting, a compromise can be reached. He added that Russia’s use of Belarusian land for its 2022 invasion and the presence of nuclear weapons there made the country a key player in the conflict. He noted that Russia’s initial push toward Kyiv failed and that over four years it has only made small gains in the south and east, paying a high price in men and equipment. He also said that a military solution is impossible for both Ukraine and the Middle East, where Russia also has interests.According to Lukashenko, both sides are running out of soldiers. He said Russians face a shortage too, though not as severe in Ukraine. This lack of manpower is the main problem, he argued. The Belarusian president has said that his forces will not join the fighting in Ukraine. He promised that Russia and Belarus would defend themselves together if needed. Ukrainian President Zelenskiy has said his troops are improving their positions and hinted that new Russian attacks could come from Belarus. Lukashenko dismissed this, saying Ukraine has nothing to fear from Belarus and that the idea of an attack is just political hype. Talks mediated by the United States have stalled, with Washington focusing on Iran. Zelenskiy keeps urging for dialogue with Putin.