Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has allowed Russian troops to stage in his country while confirming to international press that he is “on friendly terms” with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Lukashenko also insisted Belarus must be included in any negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, according to Belarusian state news outlet Belta.
“There can be no separate agreements behind Belarus’s back,” Lukashenko reportedly said.
However, Lukashenko contradicted claims that Belarus is engaging in the conflict. While addressing his security officials, he used the word “war” in reference to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Kremlin has banned the use of that term in this context.
