{"id":121036,"date":"2025-01-09T11:58:53","date_gmt":"2025-01-09T08:58:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/longreads\/121036\/"},"modified":"2026-04-15T13:35:32","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T13:35:32","slug":"lukasenkas-spokeswoman-denies-zelenskys-claim-of-apology-for-russian-attacks","status":"publish","type":"longreads","link":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/longreads\/121036\/","title":{"rendered":"\u0141uka\u0161enka\u2019s spokeswoman denies Zelensky\u2019s claim of apology for Russian attacks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Volodymyr Zelensky claimed last week that Alaksandar \u0141uka\u0161enka had apologized to him for Russian attacks launched from Belarus following the invasion in February 2022. The Ukrainian president\u2019s revelation could be interpreted by Moscow as a sign of disloyalty from its Belarusian ally.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n (Kremlin's website)<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Denial<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In an interview with Lex Fridman, Zelensky said that he had a telephone conversation with \u0141uka\u0161enka shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. According to Zelensky, \u0141uka\u0161enka apologized for the missile strikes launched from Belarusian territory, attributing the responsibility to Russian President Vladimir Putin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zelensky quoted \u0141uka\u0161enka as saying, \u201cBelieve me \u2013 he told me \u2013 believe me, Volodya, it was not me. I\u2019m not in control \u2013 he told me \u2013 I am not in control; these are just missiles; this is Putin. I told him that he should not do it. It was [decided] without me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u0141uka\u0161enka\u2019s spokeswoman, Natalla Ejsmant, denied Zelensky\u2019s claim in an interview with Russia\u2019s rbc.ru<\/em>. \u201cWe have nothing to apologize for,\u201d she said. \u0141uka\u0161enka has not yet commented on the matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, Ejsmant accused Ukraine of being “the first country to impose sanctions on Belarus.” This is a false claim. After the 2020 presidential election, which was marred by allegations of widespread fraud, Kyiv announced sanctions targeting Belarusian officials only after the European Union had imposed similar measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, launching missiles in response to sanctions is entirely unjustifiable. Aggression and the deaths of civilians cannot be morally defended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u0141uka\u0161enka\u2019s denial of involvement in Ukraine draws skepticism<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In her statement, Ejsmant neither denied the phone call nor refuted \u0141uka\u0161enka\u2019s claims of non-involvement in the February 2022 attack on Ukraine. Many commentators have pointed out this omission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In an interview with the BBC<\/em> in October 2024, \u0141uka\u0161enka claimed that he did not allow Belarusian territory to be used for the attack. He argued that Putin was withdrawing Russian troops from Belarus after a military exercise but said that the Ukrainians provoked him into sending the contingent to march on Kyiv.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This claim is unconvincing. \u0141uka\u0161enka was well aware of the massive preparations for the onslaught. His government provided the Russian troops with logistics, supplies, bases, hospitals and allowed them to cross the border at crossings guarded by Belarusian border guards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While \u0141uka\u0161enka has publicly supported Putin, behind the scenes he insisted that he had nothing to do with the attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u0141uka\u0161enka\u2019s desire to participate in Ukraine peace talks<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u0141uka\u0161enka seems to be trying to distance himself from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, perhaps in the hope of playing a role in future negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict. This is particularly relevant in the context of Donald Trump\u2019s imminent return to the US presidency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Participation in peace talks could help \u0141uka\u0161enka regain international recognition as Belarus’ legitimate leader and restore pragmatic relations with the West. It would also provide an opportunity to strengthen his political position and protect Belarus from Russian expansion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, his attempt to lay the blame on Moscow may backfire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u0141uka\u0161enka’s role in talks divides Belarusian opposition<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Zelensky interview has triggered significant concern in Belarusian media and social networks. Some argue that Zelensky\u2019s revelation plays into \u0141uka\u0161enka’s hands, portraying Putin as the sole responsible party for the war.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, despite Kyiv’s opposition, \u0141uka\u0161enka\u2019s involvement in peace talks could ultimately benefit Ukraine by weakening Moscow’s position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, given the emotional tone of Zelensky\u2019s interview, questions remain as to whether the Ukrainian leader intentionally planted the story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, the Belarusian opposition, led by \u015aviat\u0142ana Cichano\u016dskaja, strongly opposes \u0141uka\u0161enka\u2019s involvement in the talks, though pro-democracy politicians are unlikely to secure a seat at the negotiating table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nationalist opposition leader Zianon Pa\u017aniak and some independent analysts argue that having \u0141uka\u0161enka participate is preferable to Belarus not being represented at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although \u0141uka\u0161enka is primarily focused on retaining power, his interests might overlap with those of preserving Belarusian sovereignty, they argue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the one hand, \u0141uka\u0161enka is heavily dependent on the Kremlin and enjoys significant support from Russia; on the other hand, he recognizes that Moscow will not advocate for him at the negotiating table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also concerns that Trump could use Belarus as a bargaining chip in negotiations with Putin. In this case, \u0141uka\u0161enka may find himself forced to navigate a difficult political situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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