Ukraine recalls envoy over Łukašenka’s meeting with separatist leader

April 19, BPN. The Ukrainian foreign ministry has denounced Alaksandr Łukašenka’s meeting with the head of the unrecognized “Donetsk people’s republic” as a hostile action.

The Belarusian ruler and Denis Pushilin (Denys Pushylin) met in Minsk on April 18. Łukašenka said he was willing to assist and support the Russian-occupied region.

“We regard the meeting with the member of the Russian occupying administration, who is hiding from Ukrainian investigators for committing serious crimes and is under Ukrainian and international sanctions, as another blatant unfriendly action by the Republic of Belarus, aimed at support of the aggressor state, the Russian Federation,” the Ukrainian foreign ministry said.

Ukraine recalled its Belarus ambassador, Ihor Kyzym, for consultation.

It called on Minsk not to make “destructive steps” and drop its support for Russia’s war of aggression.

Belarus has not recognized the independence of Ukraine’s breakaway regions and Russia’s claim to these territories, but Łukašenka has supported the Kremlin’s war.