Alexander Lukashenko’s Statements on Nuclear Disarmament
On June 12, in an interview with Saudi television channel Al Arabiya, Belarusian self-declared president Alexander Lukashenko advocated for the total elimination of nuclear weapons by all countries worldwide. He stated that Belarus would not enter a war against Ukraine, acknowledged his nation’s military vulnerability, and criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza. Lukashenko emphasized that building up nuclear arsenals is a ‘dead-end path’ and urged the destruction of nuclear arms.
Domestic and Foreign Policy of Belarus
During the interview, Lukashenko assured that Belarus would not engage in any military operations, directly addressing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He declared:
“Belarus lies before the Ukrainian military like an open palm”– conceding that the country has certain military weaknesses. However, he warned that if Belarus were attacked, the response would be immediate, involving ‘all types of weapons.’
Lukashenko also sharply condemned Israel’s actions, stating that
“no Holocaust can justify the death of so many people – above all women and children”. In his remarks, he repeatedly stressed that all nuclear weapons should be ‘gathered in one pile and destroyed.’ In 2023, Lukashenko agreed to the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear missiles on Belarusian territory, and on May 21 of that year, he conducted joint nuclear drills with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
It is worth noting that Lukashenko previously predicted the war in Ukraine would end by late 2026. Despite this, Minsk officially denies direct involvement in combat operations, as since the failed offensive in 2022, Belarus has hosted Russian troops and nuclear weapons on its soil.
Lukashenko’s statements reflect the complex geopolitical situation in the region, where Belarus attempts to balance its commitments to Russia with the need to avoid escalating the conflict with Ukraine. At the same time, his calls for nuclear disarmament may be an effort to shift attention away from the country’s internal issues and highlight Belarus’s position on the international stage. It is important to monitor developments, as they could significantly impact security in Eastern Europe.
In light of Lukashenko's recent assertions regarding Belarus's military stance, it is crucial to examine his previous declarations about the nation's non-involvement in military conflicts unless provoked. For a deeper understanding of his position on potential military engagements and the implications for regional stability, read more about Belarus's commitment to neutrality in conflict.