Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko warned that if his country faces aggression from nearby NATO members, he will respond with all available means, including Russia's nuclear weapons stationed in Belarus.

Despite being a staunch ally of Putin, Lukashenko emphasized the need for negotiations between Kiev and Moscow to resolve the conflict, including discussions on Crimea and other disputed territories. In the interview with Ukrainian journalist Diana Panchenko, Lukashenko acknowledged that there had been direct contacts between Minsk and Kiev, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had halted the dialogue.

Lukashenko expressed his willingness to continue the dialogue and address concerns such as Belarus' potential involvement in the war on Russia's side and the presence of Wagner Group mercenaries in Belarus. The Belarusian President affirmed that if Ukraine refrains from crossing their border, Belarus will not participate in the war.

However, Lukashenko made it clear that if faced with aggression from nearby NATO members such as Poland, Lithuania, or Latvia, Belarus would respond with all available means. Lukashenko's strong stance on protecting Belarusian sovereignty underscores the importance of avoiding external interference in the region.

He stressed that negotiations should begin without preconditions, following the principles of classic diplomacy. Despite his close ties with Russia, Lukashenko reiterated that Belarus will defend its interests and respond decisively to any form of aggression.