Lukashenko: Putin's Goals Achieved in Ukraine War

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not pressuring Belarus to join the war in Ukraine, but warned that Minsk would respond to external aggression, including the use of Russia's nuclear weapons deployed in Belarus. Lukashenko believes that Putin has already achieved his goals in Ukraine and called for negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow to discuss all issues, including the future of Crimea and other disputed territories. Lukashenko emphasized that Belarus would only participate in the war if Ukraine crossed its border, but would always support Russia as its ally. He also warned of a swift response to aggression from nearby NATO members.