Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a three-hour interview that Alexander Lukashenko called in the first days of Russia’s attack on Ukrainian soil and apologized for launching missiles from the territory of Belarus. – He said: “Believe me, Volodya, it’s not me. I told him (Putin – ed.) not to do this,” Zelensky said. He also expressed confidence that he and the new US President Donald Trump will “reach an agreement” to end the war, and such a joint message will be sent to Moscow.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with American podcaster Lex Friedman. The three-hour interview was published on Sunday evening. The conversation was held in three languages - English, Ukrainian and Russian. Friedman has previously interviewed Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Benjamin Netanyahu, Javier Maile and Mark Zuckerberg.
Zelensky said that in the first days of the full-scale war (from February 24, 2022) he had a telephone conversation with the leader of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko. The President of Ukraine said that Lukashenko apologized to him for firing missiles from the territory of Belarus.
Lukashenko actively supports Russia’s actions in the war against Ukraine. As the RBC-Ukraine website reminds, “he repeatedly agreed with Moscow, calling the war a “special military operation” and explaining Russia’s aggression.”
“These are his words, I have witnesses”
– Lukashenko said: “It was Putin, not me, who launched a missile from my territory.” These are his words, I have witnesses. He apologized and said: “Believe me, Volodya, it wasn’t me. I told him (Putin – ed.) not to do it. I had no influence on it,” Zelensky said, recalling the conversation about three years ago. became
The President of the Republic of Ukraine also said that he called Lukashenko “a murderer like Putin”. The leader of Belarus then replied that “it is impossible to fight with the Russians”. When Zelensky asked “how could this be allowed”, Lukashenko replied: “Okay, then hit the refinery, it’s very important to me.”
“Trump may be the first leader to fly into Ukraine.”
President Zelensky also said in an interview that security guarantees of Kiev after the end of the war with Russia will be effective only if they are provided by the United States. The leader of Ukraine added that he hopes to meet with Donald Trump, the president-elect of the United States, soon after his swearing-in ceremony, which is scheduled for January 20.
READ ALSO: Ukrainian revenge for Hroza village, Russians have heavy equipment for less than two years
He also stressed that any cease-fire agreement with Russia should include firm security guarantees for Kyiv. – Trump and I will reach an agreement and establish strong security guarantees, and then we can talk with the Russians, – added the president of Ukraine.
The main source of the photo: SERGEI ILNITSKY/PAP
