Lukashenko Apologizes to Zelenskyy for Harsh Remarks in Rare Public Reversal

Lukashenko's Apology to Zelenskyy

According to Radiotrek — Світ: On June 16, 2026, Alexander Lukashenko issued an apology to Volodymyr Zelenskyy during an interview with Al Arabiya, retracting his earlier aggressive statements. He explained his reluctance to go to war with Ukraine and also claimed that a Jewish lobby had deceived Vladimir Putin. The interview, conducted by journalist Maxim Rozenko according to Radio Trek and cited by Belta, marks a notable shift in tone from the Belarusian leader.

Lukashenko said his earlier comments were a direct reaction to Zelenskyy’s own threats, in which the Ukrainian president claimed to know Lukashenko’s location and promised strikes.

“Maybe I went overboard somewhere, but it was a response to his statements: ‘We have 500 targets, we know where Lukashenko is. Tomorrow we will strike with missiles and drones,’” Lukashenko stated.

He added that if Zelenskyy took offense, he apologizes for those words, acknowledging that perhaps he should not have said them given that Zelenskyy ‘is at war.’

Reflections on War and Diplomacy

Lukashenko also reflected on the conflict, noting:

“Maybe I shouldn’t have spoken so sharply about this.”

He stressed that his position should be easy to understand, referencing a local saying: ‘As they sing, so they sing back.’

Additionally, the Belarusian leader apologized for comments he made about drug addicts, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic communication amid the ongoing conflict.

This interview may signal a potential shift in Lukashenko’s rhetoric toward Ukraine and an effort to ease tensions between Minsk and Kyiv. The apology for his harsh words could be an attempt to restart dialogue in the context of the protracted regional conflict. Given recent developments, such statements might influence the future trajectory of Belarus-Ukraine relations and Lukashenko’s standing in international politics.

In light of Lukashenko's recent remarks, it is crucial to consider the broader implications of his statements on the ongoing conflict. His apology not only reflects a change in his stance but also raises questions about the potential for diplomatic resolutions. For further insights into his predictions regarding the end of the war, you can read more about his forecast for the conflict's resolution timeline here.