Lukashenko addresses Ukrainian people, authorities

The Slavic peoples must live in peace and harmony, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a meeting to mark the upcoming Day of Fatherland Defenders and the Armed Forces of Belarus on 22 February, BelTA has learned.

“You remember my position: we have always advocated peace. At this very moment I would like to once again address (after the meeting with the Russian president) the Ukrainian people and the country’s authorities, if they have not yet crossed a red line: let us Slavs always live in peace and harmony,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.

The president stated that everything passes, and not only confrontations and conflicts, but also the most terrible wars. “Everything passes, everything fades from memory. The biggest problem is how deep the scar will be in the hearts of our Slavic peoples after our conflicts. I once again suggest to stop, get rid of these overseas masters. They will not bring you any happiness. As soon as you become unwanted, they will throw you away. This is our way, the way of peace and harmony,” the head of state stressed.

Aleksandr Lukashenko warned: “Those who sharpen their bayonets primarily in the west of our country, remember: we have never been and will never be traitors. You will not be able to shoot the Russians in the back through Belarus. Once again I repeat: we must calm down and make the right decision in the interests of the peoples. The peoples who will die if war breaks out, do not want this war, do not want to die. They want to live like everybody else.”

“This is our immutable position. I am telling it to you frankly. I want to stress once again: there should be no panic, no madness. We will live as we have lived before,” the Belarusian leader said.