Lukashenko advises West to start negotiations with Russia

If the West does not want Russia to win in Ukraine, then they’d better sit down at a negotiating table and come to an agreement, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a meeting with foreign and Belarusian journalists in Minsk on 6 July, BelTA has learned.

"If you don't want Russia to win, then sit down at a negotiating table and come to an agreement," Aleksandr Lukashenko said answering a question from a French journalist.

When asked whether he expects Russia to win, the Belarusian president replied: "I do."

The head of state also stressed that Russia is the closest ally of Belarus, and this is no secret to anyone. "We have been working for a long time to form a union. We have spelled everything down," he said.

As for Belarus' participation in the conflict in Ukraine, Aleksandr Lukashenko said: "Even the French will not force me to do it. There is no need for that."