Lukashenka: Belarusans don’t need Ukraine’s federalization

Ukraine should be stable, prosperous, and united, stated Aliaksandr Lukashenka as he delivered the State of the Nation Address on April 22.

“We will cooperate with our Ukraine no matter how hard it might be,” Aliaksandr Lukashenka said. “Being Ukraine’s closest neighbor, Belarus is extremely interested in a stable, prosperous and united Ukraine and is ready to provide all kinds of assistance to this,” BelTA quotes the words of the President.

Speaking about Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada, Lukashenka said that it is an "absolutely legitimate body”.

"How can I not recognize the current Ukrainian government?!" BelaPAN quotes the Belarusian leader saying. "This Rada is the Supreme Council! And then again, they are strictly following a legal path. They have returned to the old constitution. Parliament has adopted it. They have elected an acting president. What's illegitimate in this?! So we are dealing with these authorities honestly and absolutely transparently."

Lukashenka also claimed that Russia has no desire for a war in Ukraine, reports Belsat. “I am absolutely convinced that Russia doesn’t need a war over there. I know what goals Russia pursues. It seeks to protect itself, its interests, including our interests, when Russia says that Ukraine should stay outside any blocs. No foreign military forces should be present in Ukrainian lands. You know which ones. It would be bad for us and for Russia,” he said.