On Monday, Alexander Lukashenko expressed regret to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over previous remarks, asserting that Belarus has no plans to engage in the ongoing conflict. This came during an interview with the Arabic channel Al Arabiya, which was subsequently shared on Lukashenko's official website and reported by meduza.io.
The apology refers to comments made by the Belarusian leader in late May 2026. At that time, he dismissed Zelensky's statements as "empty talk" and controversially suggested that Zelensky might have been under the influence of substances. These remarks were in response to Ukrainian commander Robert Brovdi's claims that Ukraine had identified approximately 500 potential targets within Belarusian territory.
Lukashenko admitted in the interview, “Perhaps I overstepped, but it was in response to his inappropriate comments. If Vladimir Alexandrovich felt offended, I am sorry for those words. Maybe they were unnecessary, considering that he is actually at war. But on the other hand, he must understand that, as we often say here: as it is sung, so it is buried.”
Despite the apology, Lukashenko issued a warning to Zelensky, urging him to "calm down" and cease provoking the Belarusian people, emphasizing that Ukraine has "absolutely nothing" to fear from Belarus.
Strategic, Not Moral: The Argument for Peace
Lukashenko’s rationale for his pacifist stance is rooted in strategy rather than morality: fear. He acknowledged Belarus's military vulnerability, stating, "Belarus is very exposed to the Ukrainian military. We are fully aware that our key life-sustaining, productive, and logistical targets are at risk. They've already identified 500 such targets within Belarus."
He also mentioned consultations with Vladimir Putin, quoting the Russian president: "We understand that Belarus joining the war in any capacity is unacceptable. It would cause more harm than good."
The Pattern of Apologies and Strategic Alliances
This isn't the first instance of Lukashenko balancing apologies with complicity. In January 2025, Zelensky revealed in an interview with broadcaster Lex Fridman that Lukashenko phoned him shortly after Russia's February 2022 invasion, offering a similar apology: "It wasn't me. Missiles were launched from my land, but it was Putin who fired them." Zelensky's response was to label him a "murderer."
Even after those 2022 apologies, Belarus continued serving as a strategic base for Russia. The country allowed its territory to be used for the initial invasion, hosted Russian troops and missiles, and in December 2024, Lukashenko inked a new agreement with Moscow extending Russia's nuclear umbrella over Belarus, even requesting the new Oreshnik missile from Putin.
Questionable Intentions Amid Military Escalation
By April 2026, Zelensky had already sounded the alarm over increased military activities in Belarus, warning that Russia might attempt to draw Belarus into the conflict. The familiar pattern persists: aggressive rhetoric, calculated apologies, and ongoing cooperation with the Kremlin.
Lukashenko, dubbed the "last dictator of Europe," has been at Belarus's helm since 1994. He began his seventh term in March 2025 after elections deemed fraudulent by many, where he officially secured 86.82% of the votes. Since the 2020 protests, his regime has initiated over 6,000 political cases and holds more than 1,000 political prisoners.
The lingering question is whether these new apologies carry more weight than those in 2022, when missiles, launched from Belarusian soil, had already struck Ukraine.
Frequently Asked Questions on Belarus-Ukraine Relations
What were Lukashenko's comments that led to the apology?
Lukashenko previously dismissed Zelensky's statements as "empty talk" and suggested that Zelensky might have been under the influence of substances, which sparked the need for an apology.
Why does Lukashenko claim Belarus is not joining the war?
Lukashenko cites strategic reasons, emphasizing Belarus's military vulnerability and the risks to key targets, as well as consultations with Putin, who advised against Belarus's involvement.
Has Belarus allowed its territory to be used by Russia in the conflict?
Yes, Belarus has served as a strategic base for Russia, allowing the use of its territory for the initial invasion and continuing to host Russian troops and missiles.