Ukraine's fate, Putin's request, best media-covered person in bright President's Week
The work schedule of the Belarus president is always full of events. Aleksandr Lukashenko holds conferences and working meetings on the most topical matters concerning the country's development, regularly visits the regions, goes on foreign trips and welcomes foreign guests, talks to reporters, signs decrees and laws. And even if there are no public events, it does not mean that the head of state does not work. It must be said that even when he relaxes, for instance, by playing ice hockey or chopping firewood, Aleksandr Lukashenko happens to find the time to give yet another instruction. All the decisions must be prompted by life, he likes to say.
The President's Week project is intended for those, who want to keep up with the head of state, be up-to-date on the latest statements and decisions of the Belarusian leader.
What did the president discuss with the prominent Russian politician and statesman Dmitry Rogozin? Why did Dmitry Rogozin come to Minsk? Whom did Aleksandr Lukashenko describe as the best media-covered person and what does military cooperation with China have to do with it? What are Belarus' interests in Siberia? Are there prospects for advancing cooperation? How big of a bonus will Belarusian pensioners get in September? Why did Aleksandr Lukashenko give a “not pass” to the Education Ministry and want the ministry to retake the exam in September? The main details and the boldest statements by the Belarus president in a two-hour interview with the Ukrainian reporter Diana Panchenko. How is it possible to prevent Ukraine's disappearance? What kind of a book character is Vladimir Zelensky? How did Ukraine's troubles begin? Putin's request to cover the Russian army's back, a nuclear arsenal and Belarus' readiness to immediately respond to an aggression, and many other things are covered by the latest episode of BelTA's special project President's Week.
IN THE NAME OF THE COMMON FATHERLAND. Why did Dmitry Rogozin come to Minsk?
The Belarus president's work week began on Monday, 14 August with a meeting with the Russian politician and statesman Dmitry Rogozin.
At the beginning of the meeting Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that Dmitry Rogozin had “completely vanished from the radar screens; mass media hardly write about him now”.
Dmitry Rogozin said: “I keep working the way I did. In a different capacity, but my work has a much greater potential taking into account the colossal changes taking place in the world of technology. Today I will tell you about this.” Dmitry Rogozin has been in charge of the Russian state space corporation Roscosmos for the last few years. He had previously held a number of other important positions in the government, defense industry and diplomacy of the Russian Federation.
Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “I am glad to meet with you today and to discuss all the issues that have accumulated over this time. I know you are an active person who cannot stay away from major developments in the region and the world. Frankly speaking, I am ready to contribute to using your experience and knowledge for the good of our common ideas that you and I have shared for a long time. We have a common Fatherland, and we need to work together in its best interests. You have many ideas. I know it. I am ready to use Belarus' entire R&D potential for it. If it is beneficial for us and for you. Well, on the whole, for the benefit of our unity of Belarus and Russia.”
In turn, Dmitry Rogozin pointed out that his business trip to Belarus would be brief, but quite full of useful contacts. “Meetings with representatives of the industry of the Republic of Belarus, my old friends with whom I have always maintained good relations. Today I will have talks with them on a number of projects that are primarily related to our science and technology center. I will tell you about it today. I think that it will be interesting to you,” he said.
TO GAIN SIBERIA. What potential does the president see in cooperation with Russia's Tomsk Oblast?
Three centuries ago the famous Russian scientist Mikhail Lomonosov said that Russia's might will grow thanks to Siberia. Tomsk Oblast is one of Siberia's well-developed areas nowadays. A Tomsk Oblast delegation visited Belarus last week. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko met with Tomsk Oblast Governor Vladimir Mazur in the Palace of Independence on 15 August.
Belarus-Russia cooperation also grows thanks to Siberia. When Aleksandr Lukashenko met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Russia Dmitry Krutoi in May, the ambassador was instructed to increase the volume of cooperation with Ural, Siberia, and Russia's Far East by several times.
In 2022 trade between Belarus and Tomsk Oblast increased by 47% to nearly $23 million. Positive dynamics has been observed this year, too. Trade increased by nearly 30% in H1 2023.
“But it is absolutely obvious that it is extremely little. Trade can and should be at least two or three times as much. There are plenty of growth points,” the Belarusian head of state pointed out during the meeting.
Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that Tomsk Oblast is a promising partner for Belarus in Siberia since this region has a significant resource, industrial, tourist, and intellectual potential.
There are plenty of areas for joint work and cooperation. Those include deliveries of food, various machines, equipment, and vehicles to Tomsk Oblast as well as the goods agriculture needs, including amino acids made by the Belarusian National Biotechnology Corporation. Belarus is also ready to satisfy Tomsk Oblast's demand for lifts.
“We believe that our experience and high quality technologies could also be in demand in your cattle breeding, crop production, and also construction of dairy and grain drying complexes. We are ready to share linen flax cultivation and processing technologies. Your region, the same as the entire Belarus, is a flagship in this respect,” the Belarusian leader said.
More than 60% of the area of Tomsk Oblast is occupied by forests. The Russian region also has huge reserves of peat. Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized that this wealth should not only be effectively used but also preserved, especially from fires that have become more frequent in recent years. According to the president, Belarus is ready to share its best practices in the production of logging, fire and rescue equipment, peat extraction machines.
Further cooperation in science also looks interesting. Tomsk Oblast is one of the top three regions in Russia's national rating of scientific and technological development of regions, while the city of Tomsk is called a student hub. “However, I believe that cooperation potential in education and science is much bigger. We must make good use of each other's advanced competencies. Your scientists, the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus and companies could launch a joint project to produce special-purpose transistors and transistors for the aerospace industry. This can be a good example of intellectual collaboration, and this collaboration is very relevant,” the president said.
“I am convinced that together we can create the most cutting-edge technologies, weaning ourselves off of our dependence on the West,” Aleksandr Lukashenko added.
TANGIBLE ADDITION. By how much will labor pensions be raised in Belarus?
On 15 August Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko signed decree No. 259 to raise pensions. The document provides for recalculating labor pensions and raising them by 5% on the average as from 1 September 2023.
In September, Br1.7 billion will be allocated to pay pensions, of which Br72 million will cover additional costs due to the increase in pensions the decree stipulates.
This decision follows the socially oriented policy aimed at ensuring decent living standards for the elderly. “Children and pensioners need to understand that the state will always lend a shoulder to them and will protect them,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed during a government conference in March 2023.
FRIENDS IN ARMS. For what did Lukashenko thank China?
On 17 August Aleksandr Lukashenko met with Chinese State Councilor, member of the CPC Central Military Commission and Minister of National Defense of the People's Republic of China, Colonel-General Li Shangfu. Li Shangfu was in Belarus on an official visit on 16-18 August.
Belarus-China military technology cooperation has been advancing since 1995. By now the entire necessary legal base of the bilateral cooperation has been formed. Military cooperation between the defense ministries of both countries proceeds in line with the military cooperation agreement of 13 May 2010.
Shared outlook on the world order
At the start of the meeting the head of state warmly welcomed Li Shangfu to Belarus, calling him the world's best media-covered person. “I have a reason to start our conversation with calling you the world's most media person today. Your work and the efforts of the People's Republic of China to promote its interests, the main ideas on the world order are heard by the entire world today. China and Belarus share the same main ideas of the current and future prospective world order. We, together, have been demonstrating this for the past three decades,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
“We are absolute supporters of a multipolar world, territorial integrity and unity of the borders and territories formed after World War Two. We stay committed to non-interference in the internal affairs of states. In short, the whole palette on which China's foreign policy is based is similar to ours. You should know that for more than 30 years we have always supported China in all its aspirations, because we consider the domestic and foreign policy of the People's Republic of China absolutely fair, aimed at peaceful resolution of any disputes and conflicts,” the Belarusian leader emphasized.
Turbulent events and support of friends
“Unfortunately, the world is absolutely unstable today, through no fault of ours. Very powerful turbulent developments are happening in the world. We must be strong. Because one way or another but strength is always respected. In our policy we rely on a strong economy and strong diplomacy. I am very grateful to you for your support in military technology cooperation and military cooperation. In this regard, we rely on our friends, first of all, the Russian Federation and China,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
He noted that it was Li Shanfu's first visit to Belarus. “I hope it won't be the last. It is very important for Belarus,” the president said.
“All our cooperation, which is very significant (we did not hide it from anyone), is by no means directed against third countries. We don't need that. We need to protect our states and our peoples,” the Belarusian leader stressed.
Friendship with Xi Jinping
Aleksandr Lukashenko added that he has good and friendly relations with Chinese President Xi Jinping: “I immensely respect my friend. We have known each other for a long time. Please convey my warmest and best wishes to him and his family for all that China has done for Belarus recently.”
He also asked to convey good wishes to the Chinese leader's wife Peng Liyuan.
In turn, Li Shangfu conveyed the best wishes and warm greetings to Aleksandr Lukashenko on behalf of the president of the People's Republic of China. He praised Belarus' great successes in its development and the role of the Belarusian head of state in this. “Let me express my sincere and deep respect for your high contribution to peace and development in the world,” the Chinese defense minister said.
He recalled the Belarusian leader's state visit to China at the beginning of the year, during which the heads of state reached important agreements to further strengthen bilateral military cooperation, including in the military sector. “The purpose of my visit to Belarus is the implementation of important agreements at the level of heads of state and further strengthening of bilateral military cooperation,” Li Shangfu said.
SINCERE INTERVIEW. At what point did things in Ukraine go downhill? Who is to blame? What should one do?
Last week Aleksandr Lukashenko granted a two-hour interview to the prominent Ukrainian reporter Diana Panchenko. Diana Panchenko faces a criminal investigation and sanctions in Ukraine. She was one of the country's most influential women in 2020. Aleksandr Lukashenko promised to grant this interview two years ago during a Big Conversation with the President and he kept his word.
The reporter accompanied the publication of the interview with the following text: “I've talked to all the presidents of Ukraine. I've watched hundreds of interviews of politicians of different calibers from all over the world. I can say with confidence that Lukashenko is a unique person. When he became the president, Ukraine was a country of hope. And Belarus didn't have even a little bit of Ukraine's potential. 30 years next to Ukraine. Between Russia and NATO. Now we've lost some territories, 30 million of the population, and access to one of the seas. Meanwhile, Belarus' GDP per capita is twice as high as ours. The country enjoys order and more importantly, peace. And all of it happened before his eyes. Certainly, I asked him WHY it happened. The interview contains a lot of what Aleksandr Lukashenko has never talked about yet.”
As part of the special project President's Week let's briefly recall the main statements by Aleksandr Lukashenko.
WILL UKRAINE DISAPPEAR AND HOW CAN IT BE PREVENTED?
Naturally, the main topic was the war in Ukraine and prospects for peaceful resolution of this crisis, what to do next. Aleksandr Lukashenko is convinced that the confrontation should and could have been avoided. It can be stopped at any moment and now. Unfortunately, there is no firm will and desire to do it either then or now. First of all, on the part of the Ukrainian leadership, who are incited by the United States of America.
The USA benefits from the confrontation. It is a chance to weaken Russia and get closer to China. But the Western European elites are already realizing that the war in the common house must end. Well, of course, it is in the interests of Ukraine and its people, but propaganda does its job. And while President Zelensky travels from country to country and portrays himself as a hero, the Ukrainian army loses thousands of people in the cauldron of the stalled counteroffensive.
This is also why Aleksandr Lukashenko urges to sit down at the negotiating table as soon as possible. And without preconditions he urges to try to come to peace agreements while Ukraine still has a chance to remain an integral state on the world map.
Sabotaging of the Minsk agreements
The president recalled that under the Minsk agreements it was necessary to legislate the special status of certain districts of Donetsk Oblast and Lugansk Oblast and to hold municipal elections there. “I suggested to them: ‘I will hold elections there, I will do as you, Putin and Poroshenko, agree. And I will conduct them as you decide.' Poroshenko refused. Putin agreed to everything,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, if it had been done then, everything would have been quiet and calm and would have gotten back to normal gradually.
The war unleashed by Ukraine
Belarus has always behaved very decently in relation to Ukraine, Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized. The same cannot be said about Ukraine in relation to Belarus. “We are accused of contributing to the start of the war here. No, the warfare was already underway. You started it. The Ukrainians started this warfare against Belarus. Economic warfare first of all. You have declared a blockade on us in the southern direction. You closed the sky to our planes even before the Europeans did. You did not let our goods through. You arrested thousands of wagons with mineral fertilizers that we loaded here in the port of Odessa,” the president said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko recalled that long before Russia's special military operation Ukraine deployed four army units near the border with Belarus. They were mainly armed with Tochka-U missile systems. “They armed the missiles. Then they turned them against us. And we had to deal with them during the Russian operation. The Russians destroyed them in the first place,” he reminded.
Lukashenko explains Russia's failure to capture Kiev fast
The reporter pointed out that Ukrainians believe that Vladimir Zelensky protected Kiev and that the Ukrainian army repulsed the Russian invasion. Aleksandr Lukashenko responded by saying: “Listen, it is a fairy tale and nothing else. But all of it was probably cooked up by mass media and Zelensky himself in order to demonstrate his heroism.” The truth is that Ukrainian forces hid behind kindergartens, schools, hospitals, and other social facilities.
“And I had a conversation with Putin. He said: ‘How can we fire at them in Kiev if they hide behind schools and kindergartens?' I am nearly quoting. So there were fears. A different person could have told him: ‘Listen, a war is going on. If you started a war, fight it'. And he told the truth when he said: ‘We haven't even started yet',” the Belarus president noted.
Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “Zelensky was sitting in a root cellar at that time, Diana. Your Zelensky was sitting in a root cellar back then. He didn't fight anyone and didn't repulse anything.”
Russia's might and Ukraine's fate
“Russia will crush your personnel and hardware over there now. Those motivated, ideologically strong Nazis as they are called, those ideologically strong men are no longer around. All of them have died already. Who is fighting here then? Those, you can catch in the streets and bring here. They are not prepared. Well, and a bit of military personnel. They will not be able to defeat this machine. Russia has changed. At present Russia has cutting-edge weapons at the front. There are plenty of drones now. Well, it is totally a different army now. And the most dangerous thing is 250,000 volunteers,” the Belarus president said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko mentioned horrendous losses of the Ukrainian army during the so-called counteroffensive and pointed out that Ukraine may disappear as a state. On the one side Russia will cut off Kiev by advancing towards Moldova, towards Transdniestria. As for Western Ukraine, “Poles rub their hands in glee. Pushed by Americans, they will cut off the western regions. You will have only this little bit left if any at all,” the Belarusian leader said. “If you don't stop now, it will happen! If you don't start negotiations now. Russia suggests it. You don't want it. Well, if you don't want it, we don't need it! Russia is powerful enough. No West will help you in this regard.”
Western Ukraine and Poland's ambitions
“Will Western Ukraine become part of Poland?” the journalist asked the president.
Aleksandr Lukashenko believes that Ukrainians themselves will not allow it but Vladimir Zelensky is moving towards it, a number of decisions have been made, and narratives are circulating in mass media. “Moreover, units have already been formed in Poland - a military unit to help Ukraine. If they come in, they will not go away, because Americans stand behind Poland. Well, this will be Polish territory. Why would NATO not accept them in this case? It will already be Polish territory. They will use this as an argument. Therefore, everything is being prepared for this. This is unacceptable for us and for Russians. It is necessary to preserve Ukraine's integrity, so that the country will not be sliced up and divided by other countries. Negotiations come next. You see, that's what should be done first. You, Ukrainians, need it,” the head of state emphasized.
Non-collective West
According to the president, only the USA benefits from continuing the war. As for political elites in Western Europe, on the contrary, they are starting to realize that the war needs to stop. “But Western Europe is Germans, the French, and other ones. Except Englishmen of course. Those are dominated by the USA. Western Europe doesn't need this war already. Their top people say that the war is not in America, this war is in our home,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
He stressed that one can no longer say that the West is cemented.
Why can the USA give this signal to Ukraine's leadership to start negotiations at some point? Aleksandr Lukashenko gave the following answer to this question: “Because they will understand that Ukraine will not win. It will lose. If Ukraine loses decisively and Russians manage to move forward, well, then the entire West will lose. This is why they need to give a signal to start negotiations when the time is right.”
Negotiations without preconditions
Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “Negotiations have to start without preliminary conditions. It is a classic move of any diplomacy. This is what I think. It is necessary to start negotiations and discuss everything. Including Crimea, Kherson, Zaporozhye, Donetsk, and Lugansk. Everything needs to be discussed there. But at a negotiation table.”
The president went on saying: “Certainly, Russia will never ever return Crimea as you say. It won't happen. I doubt for now that some agreement can be reached here, in the east. But Russia is ready to discuss any topic.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko is convinced that only at the negotiating table it is possible to find a solution to the situation, and it should be done with the participation of all parties involved and the powers that be. Belarus should also definitely become a participant in the negotiation process. “Our interests are there, and our position should be heard,” the president said.
Contacts with the Ukrainian side
Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked that even in the current situation Belarus' contacts with the Ukrainian side continue. “The last time was several months ago. These negotiations were initiated by the GUR [Central Intelligence Office of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry]. They focused on whether Belarus will join the war in the future, whether Belarus will fight or not on the side of Russia in the north. And many other matters,” the president noted.
He also remarked that the Ukrainian side has been recently interested in matters concerning the potential use of nuclear weapons and the deployment of the private military company (PMC) Wagner in Belarus. According to the head of state, there are proposals to continue the dialog. But the Ukrainian side offers to meet in Türkiye or the UAE. Belarus does not understand the logic of these proposals.
Accomplishment of goals of Russia's special military operation and Ukraine's future
“I dare express my position. The goals of the special military operation have already been accomplished. Ukraine will never be as aggressive towards Russia after the end of this war as it was before the war. Ukraine will be different. First, there will be people in power who are more cautious, smarter, more cunning, if you like. Sensible people. Who will understand that the neighbors are given by God and that you need to build relations with them,” the president said.
“The future Ukraine will not dance to the tune of the United States. I am absolutely convinced that Putin thinks so too. I think that's how he understands the process. This is a big lesson not only for Ukraine but also for Russia. And for us, for the whole world. That's a great lesson. We learn from it. Russia will, too,” the Belarusian leader stressed.
Ukraine's first step towards recovery
Ukraine's first step towards restoring the country should be a step towards peace, Aleksandr Lukashenko is convinced. “There should be a step towards peace. Yes, you can fight for these territories. I am not saying that they should be abandoned and the rest. But a different tactic should be chosen: while fighting for these territories, you may lose other ones,” he noted.
The president is convinced that Ukraine will definitely recover: “It is a rich country, with extremely hardworking people. I often tell some of my people to go and learn from Ukrainians. The richest traditions. All this must be restored little by little today. A lot needs to be done but it has to start. And Ukraine will be Ukraine. The country cannot be poor on such a land, but the first steps need to be taken. And the first step should be the one to stop the war.”
PUTIN'S CURRENT CHARACTER, WORRIES, THOUGHTS ABOUT THE SITUATION
A significant part of the interview was devoted to the contacts between the Belarus president and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. It is well known that the leaders of the two countries communicate regularly, including informally - in a friendly manner. Therefore, Aleksandr Lukashenko was the right person to ask about some details concerning the Russian leader, even personal ones. The head of state answered these questions as frankly as possible and even shared some inside information.
The format of communication with Putin
Aleksandr Lukashenko said that during contacts the heads of state express different points of view when they discuss various matters: “It does not happen the way some people in the West try to present it. The so-called opposition says that Lukashenko does everything Putin tells him to do. People who know me understand very well that this is impossible.”
Putin's “new” character
Diana Panchenko said that the idea that the Russian government is weak, that Putin is not the person people used to know after events involving PMC Wagner is being actively promoted in Ukraine.
“Putin is absolutely not the person we used to know. His personal traits have been multiplied. Recent times have taught a lot to everyone, including to Putin. He is no longer his old self. He is now wiser and more cunning, I'll have you know. If someone thinks that Putin has been weakened by Prigozhin's mutiny, it is total nonsense,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
Inside information about a recent meeting with Putin
“We touched on the situation again the last time we met (it was in St. Petersburg, then Valaam). We conversed for a long time and he would say: ‘It's bad that we, the two peoples, clashed. And you [Belarus] are involved. We are Slavic peoples!' He said thoughtfully (here's the inside information for you): ‘No one was going to subjugate, enslave, and deprive Ukraine of independence. We didn't need it. But they should have behaved differently and should not have created problems for us,'” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
“Listen, I had nothing to object to him. Although we usually argue. But what is there to object to? On the contrary, I supported him,” the president said.
“Imperial ambitions” and fake news about Putin
The journalist asked Aleksandr Lukashenko what he thinks about the narrative being promoted in Ukraine that Vladimir Putin has imperial ambitions and allegations that he has supposedly gone mad.
“No, Putin has not gone mad. I can guarantee that 100%. As for some imperial ambitions, I have not seen them either. Russia is a huge empire, what can I say? Of course, this leaves a mark on the character of a person. But it's all empty words, fake news, fiction that Putin has imperial ambitions. Especially now,” Aleksandr Lukashenko replied.
The Belarus president remarked that his Russian counterpart is certainly stressed by the ongoing events but as an absolutely adequate and experienced person he analyzes things, tries to make projections. And he will do nothing off the cuff.
Putin's request to cover Russia's back
Aleksandr Lukashenko assured that before Russia's special military operation in Ukraine he and Vladimir Putin had not discussed this possibility. Nevertheless, several days before 24 February 2022 Vladimir Putin made a request of its ally.
“A few days before the operation we met at his countryside residence to discuss the situation,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “He told me then (I am telling you this for the first time): ‘Listen, Sasha, you know what the current situation is. I hope we are allies no matter what may happen'. I asked: ‘Listen, what can happen?' ‘Well, if anything happens, watch my back, please,' he said.”
The Belarusian head of state reminded about his statement that Belarus will not allow Russia to be attacked from the rear. “Most likely, he was concerned about a rear attack from the West,” Aleksandr Lukashenko clarified.
Future presidential elections
Aleksandr Lukashenko said he believes that Vladimir Putin is not thinking about finding someone to take Russia along the path of development he has chosen once he is gone. “The country is big, there are many other problems that need to be addressed,” Aleksandr Lukashenko explained.
“I think that Putin will be Russia's next president. The election will be held in six months. No one can challenge Putin now,” he said.
WHAT DOES LUKASHENKO THINK ABOUT ZELENSKY? WHO IS TO BLAME FOR UKRAINE'S TROUBLES?
Vladimir Zelensky's presidency and sources of the turmoil in Ukraine
Aleksandr Lukashenko believes that Ukraine President Vladimir Zelensky had failed to discharge his duties but he is not the only person that should be blamed for the current situation.
Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “Well, you know, I often criticize Vladimir Zelensky. Yes, he was inexperienced. Kind of expressive… His personal traits. You know what he had always been doing. It had played its role. But I told you for a reason that disasters began with Leonid Danilovich [Kuchma, the second president of Ukraine]. When there was no definite policy: we will do this and that and that.”
“All of it started there. Kuchma, then Yushchenko, then Yanukovych. All of it was piling up. And all of it dropped on an experienced person, who was absolutely no politician, who stayed away from politics, on Vladimir Zelensky,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “He was unfit for the job! So there is no need to blame Zelensky alone.”
Guilty parties and Russia's role
“Of course, Russia is responsible for everything. For the collapse of the Soviet Union, for the then fight on a personal level among other things. Now they say: ‘Well, the Soviet Union would have collapsed anyway. It's good that it broke up like that, as not much blood was shed.' But do you see how much blood we are shedding now? Wars happened along the entire perimeter. It remains to be seen how it will end,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
He continued: “Therefore, Russia was the main state that glued, held everything together, bore responsibility as it is the successor of the Soviet Union. Of course, Russia is also to blame. We are all to blame. Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and so on and so forth.”
Vladimir Zelensky's chances of getting re-elected
“A lot of people are starting to really assess Zelensky. Hence this back-and-forth on his part. He cannot make up his mind whether to call the election (when are you having it - in a year or two?) or use the state of war to postpone it. In other words, the situation is very unclear. And it is not a given that Zelensky will win this election, although you claim that he has a 90% approval rating. It is total nonsense. I will tell you, if the election was held in the near future, one of the military [would win]. Budanov or someone else would become president. Someone from the military, but not him [not Zelensky],” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
The head of state is sure that people in Ukraine are intoxicated by propaganda but will eventually be able to see things clearly.
The only words addressed to Vladimir Zelensky
According to the reporter, Vladimir Zelensky was personally upset by the deterioration of relations with Aleksandr Lukashenko. “He took it hard despite the fact that Ukraine introduced sanctions faster than the EU, as you said then. Is there anything left you want to tell him?” the reporter wondered.
“I can tell him only one thing today. I would say to him: Vladimir, the war is going on in your country, on your land. You must do everything to prevent things from getting worse. Yes, whatever happened, happened. Those who are to blame will have to face the music. But it needs to stop now. It is necessary to stop this negative turn of events. Particularly negative for Ukraine. It will be negative for Ukraine first and foremost,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
CHANCES OF MENDING RELATIONS WITH UKRAINE
Aleksandr Lukashenko does not believe that Russia-Ukraine relations as well as Belarus-Ukraine relations are beyond saving. The reporter wondered about the narrative claiming there is growing hatred between nations, in particular, the hatred Ukrainians feel towards Russians.
Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that in this regard he always cites the example of atrocities committed by the Nazis during the Great Patriotic War. “The wounds have healed. The Soviet Union had good relations with Germany. Both Ukraine and Belarus, which was practically wiped off the face of the earth, built relations with Germany. Why shouldn't we build relations with Ukraine? We will,” he emphasized.
Love of Ukraine
The president remarked that he had taken pleasure in visiting Crimea, Ukraine in the past and had admired the sights and feels deep respect for the people in Ukraine, including in western regions. Aleksandr Lukashenko mentioned he has Ukrainian roots, too.
He said: “And I have always felt love for Ukraine. And I still feel exactly the same. Despite their trying to portray me as some bastard instead of Batka [father in Belarusian]. Time will come and people will sort out everything.”
Fighting for the truth on the battlefield
Diana Panchenko noted that today Ukrainians blame Russians for all their troubles. In her opinion, Ukraine was made a “country of hatred” long before the events of 2022. “They did it deliberately. It was a public policy. How can we make sure that this does not happen to Belarusians?” she asked the head of state.
The president believes that it is important to fight in the information space as hard as possible: “We resist it on this battlefield as much as we can, with as much resources as we have. You know, I won't say that we are winning but we are not losing yet, probably because the truth always wins after all.
“It is difficult to fight this information war but we must. Otherwise, we will have to fight the way Russia and Ukraine are doing. Therefore, we are trying, resisting, doing everything possible,” the head of state added. “Tactic is to reach every person, reach out to them, and talk to them.”
SOMETHING IN ADDITION TO NUCLEAR WEAPONS. HOW WILL BELARUS PROTECT ITSELF?
Since the very beginning of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine the Belarus president has been constantly pestered with questions whether the Belarusian army intends to get involved in combat operations. It seems Aleksandr Lukashenko has spoken about the topic dozens of times. But it is the destiny of presidents to keep repeating themselves while hoping to get the message across. Particularly in such an acute confrontation as the one in Ukraine where the degree of distrust of the warring sides is sometimes frankly off the scale.
Under what conditions will Belarus join the war?
“If you, Ukrainians, do not cross our border, we will never get involved in this war. In this hot war. But we will keep helping Russia since we are allies,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
In turn, Diana Panchenko noted that Ukrainians often say that Vladimir Putin is pushing the Belarus president to join in the war.
“It's complete nonsense. Do you know why? Because it will produce nothing. An additional 70,000 troops will change nothing, nothing at all,” the head of state emphasized. “They have enough manpower and materiel.”
Belarus' immediate response to aggression
Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “If aggression against our country is launched from the side of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, we will immediately respond with everything we have. You see we have something. And the strike will be unacceptable. We don't compete with them. NATO stands behind Poland, Lithuania, Latvia. We certainly understand that the forces are incomparable. But we will deliver an unacceptable strike against them and they will receive unacceptable harm, damage. It is what our security concept is based on.”
Readiness to use nuclear weapons
The president also mentioned readiness to use nuclear weapons. He pointed out that Belarusians are not crazy and would not like to use nuclear weapons. If no aggression is committed against Belarus, nuclear weapons will never be used.
The president went on saying: “If only an act of aggression is committed against us, an attack against Belarus, we will not tarry, wait, and the rest. We will use the entire arsenal of our weapons for deterrence. Why? Belarus is not Russia. Belarus cannot observe and wait for something. There is a great distance between Brest and Vladivostok but our territory can be captured within a month and there will be nothing left. This is why we will not tarry and watch.”
The same applies to Ukraine. “Not only the nuclear weapons [will be used] against Ukraine if it commits aggression against us. We have something else in addition to the nuclear weapons. And we will not warn you that we will deliver a strike on decision-making centers once you cross red lines. It will be done without a warning. This is why leave us alone. We leave you alone and you should leave us alone. I mean Ukraine least of all. I mean primarily those crazies in the West, who are already making preparations,” Aleksandr Lukashenko noted.
World War Three
According to the head of state, events in Ukraine have become a lesson and have demonstrated that a clash of military blocs must be prevented.
“Nobody will be able to survive [in a global clash]. Russia has the largest stockpile of nuclear warheads. The United States of America has roughly the same number. Everyone will be affected and will feel the heat. This is why nobody wants to die. Everyone wants to live at least as well as we do and hope for the better. Even now I don't see justification for this war,” the president stated.
ALEKSANDR LUKASHENKO'S CURRENT PRIORITIES
Some of the questions asked during the interview focused on the domestic political situation in Belarus. After the adoption of the updated Constitution, in which the Belarusian People's Congress plays a prominent role, attention is riveted to the election campaign that will take place next year. The next presidential election is not far behind. Taking into account Aleksandr Lukashenko's personality, his authority and inclusion in many items on the international agenda, one reasonably starts wondering who will rule Belarus in the future and whether Aleksandr Lukashenko intends to stay at the helm.
Future presidential elections in Belarus
“I haven't made any decisions yet, honestly. Perhaps it may look like some kind of couldn't-care-less attitude on my part, but I have so many problems to solve right now. As soon as the time comes to make the decision, I will do it. Right now we have to endure, to persevere. Without getting involved in some mess, as people say. I have to guide my people along this very thin, fragile ice, so that we don't fall through. This is the most important thing for me now. Both my future and the future of the next government depend on this. This is what I am doing right now. Honestly, I have not thought about it, and we have not discussed this topic even with my very closest family members. Now is not the time to think about it,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
The country will have to go through elections to the parliament and the Belarusian People's Congress. The president said he would do everything to help Belarusians determine their future. “I am going to persuade and say things to my people. But then our people see for themselves what can happen. They understand that we can lose this island of peace and tranquility,” he said.
A yacht in Monaco and happiness in Belarus
“Haven't you ever thought of having a good time on a yacht in a place like Monaco right now?” the journalist asked.
“I have never had such thoughts. I am not that kind of person at all. A yacht, the heat, the sun – it is not my thing. It's better to go to the mountains in winter. There is no better place than Sochi. We have a governmental base, a hotel there. I don't need anything else,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “I hate money, as I grew up in a poor family and always lacked it. I am a different person by nature. I can find my happiness at home, in Belarus.”
CORRECTION WORK. Why did the Belarusian education system get “a fail” from Lukashenko?
On 18 August the president convened a conference to discuss the readiness of the education system for the new academic year. “As you know, tomorrow we will go back to school, figuratively speaking. This is why the topic of today's conversation is the readiness of education institutions for welcoming students,” Aleksandr Lukashenko noted.
“Back-to-school fairs are running, educational institutions are receiving certificates of readiness and are getting equipped with vehicles for transporting students, dormitories and sports grounds are being refurbished, financial aid is being provided to large families and low-income families. At least that's how it should be. Today we will see if this is really the case. We want our children to have everything they need for studies and we want them to celebrate Knowledge Day in a good mood,” the president stressed.
The president was primarily interested not in general figures, such as the percentage of readiness of schools for the new academic year and other indicators, but in an entire range of issues related to education. That is why the traditional report initially proposed to the head of state transformed into a government conference. The heads of the Prosecutor General's Office and the State Control Committee were invited to present reports of the oversight bodies.
As a result, the conference proceeded in a very critical manner. Essentially Aleksandr Lukashenko did not accept reports of the minister and the deputy prime minister. It does not mean that everything is bad in the country's education system. On the contrary, systematic work is being carried out in a number of areas, but even isolated shortcomings in the area are unacceptable for the president. Not to mention issues of systemic nature.
BelTA learned that the head of state gave instructions to interrupt the prime minister's vacation: a meeting chaired by the prime minister is set to take place in a week. Aleksandr Lukashenko instructed oversight agencies to present a more detailed report at that meeting in order to conduct a detailed review and develop a plan of action on how to promptly eliminate all the shortcomings. A new report to the president will be delivered in early September.
The Belarus President Administration was instructed to closely oversee the entire process of preparing educational institutions and the education system as a whole for the new academic year. Representatives of the Belarus President Administration will have to visit schools and other educational institutions to assess the situation on the ground.
University admittance campaign
The head of state said that he had been briefed on the ongoing university admission campaign, adding that it was proceeding in a constructive manner. Aleksandr Lukashenko asked Deputy Prime Minister Igor Petrishenko to present a more detailed report on it: “What went well and what went wrong? Maybe you have already developed a vision of how we will further improve the university admission system?”
“As we agreed, this year we should finally stop all kinds of shenanigans regarding the organization of the university admission campaign,” the Belarusian leader stressed.
Road safety and fire safety
Among the issues raised by Prosecutor General Andrei Shved were security and safety, including fire safety. Not all educational institutions had put things in order in this matter. There are also complaints about inefficient work on the prevention of road accidents.
“In a number of cases we have identified unpreparedness or incomplete readiness of schools for the new academic year in terms of road safety within the adjacent territories. In some cases we found that fire exits were blocked, fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment were out of order. Children need to stay in safe conditions,” Andrei Shved stressed. “In addition, we have proposed measures to strengthen the protection of children's rights from violence.”
The Prosecutor General's Office also paid special attention to compliance with the law by minors. There are also many issues to be solved here.
Support for orphans
The meeting also took a rather critical look at the support of orphans, the most vulnerable category of population. Orphans need more attention, especially since the state has all the resources for this, the Prosecutor's General Office believes. By the way, today 88% of Belarusian orphans live in family-type homes, the rest in boarding schools. The president demanded to reach everyone, including in remote areas.
The Prosecutor General's Office proposed to revise the legislation and envisage additional support for this category of students. “For example, support for medical reasons. If a child needs glasses, then the state must provide them, among other things. Because they need to be protected, and only the state can protect them,” Andrei Shved emphasized.
Monitoring group for textbooks
Another area of concern is textbooks. Despite many years of attention to this issue and the work carried out by the Education Ministry, problems remain. According to Chairman of the State Control Committee Vasily Gerasimov, a recent hotline received a flurry of calls from citizens complaining about this issue. “From the point of view of simplicity, adequacy of the presented information. The head of state instructed to once again review all the textbooks and come to some uniform standard,” the head of the State Control Committee said.
Some complaints were examined during the meeting using specific examples, quotes from textbooks. Aleksandr Lukashenko instructed to set up a monitoring group for textbooks under the auspices of the Prosecutor General's Office and the State Control Committee. The group will include scientists, specialists, and philologists.
According to the education minister, the ministry has reviewed all the textbooks. A number of textbooks were published for general secondary schools in the last few years. Five textbooks had to be substantially revised. Two textbooks have already been reprinted this year. Those are geography for the 7th form and biology for the 8th form. Three textbooks (Belarus history for the 9th form and the 10th form and geography for the 8th form) will be published this year and will be shipped to schools, too.
Back-to-school fairs and price control
Vasily Gerasimov reported on the negative facts in the work of back-to-school fairs. Some private businesses more than double prices for these goods. Unfortunately, such facts are not isolated. But the situation is being monitored and the necessary measures are being taken against unscrupulous retailers.
“We will continue to root out such cases,” Vasily Gerasimov said. “Prices have been set. No one has the right to inflate them. The last case we identified was the price inflation of 2.6 times. Naturally, we suppress such facts and slap bans on such retailers. This will be done everywhere.”
Transportation of students and the workload of schools
Aleksandr Lukashenko asked Education Minister Andrei Ivanets how the problem is being addressed in the regions and in Minsk. He pointed out that the occupancy of schools in Minsk is not even: they have too many students in new areas and too few in the center. “If we have to transport children from Minsk District to Minsk, we have to base our decisions not on the closest school but on the school's low workload,” the president said.
The head of state stressed it is necessary to balance the workload of schools and make balanced decisions regarding the construction of schools taking into account the availability of free spots in other education institutions, particularly in large cities. “You should transfer the savings into salaries and send kids to schools wisely,” he urged.
Vasily Gerasimov confirmed that there are a number of shortcomings in this matter. “There is no doubt that we've made progress. However, all the measures have not been taken yet and we have outlined ways to resolve this issue,” he noted.
School meals and the moral aspect
Aleksandr Lukashenko drew attention to meals for school students. He also emphasized the moral aspect. “It is very important. It is not normal that every school can have a pig farm because enough food gets thrown away to feed the pigs. If you want, it is also a moral problem: throwing away food has become fashionable in our society,” he noted.
During the government conference a lot was said about the organization of meals in schools and about thefts. Education Minister Andrei Ivanets reminded that a pilot project had been completed in Belarus. New technologies for cooking and new principles of school meal organization were tested. “More than 350 new technological dishes have been developed. The infrastructure of the catering units is being modernized rather seriously,” he added.
The president welcomed experiments and innovations in this sphere, yet he demanded to restore basic order, first of all. According to him, this issue should be resolved once and for all to avoid revisiting it again and again.
PROGRESSIVE FORCES. Against what does Aleksandr Lukashenko want people of good will to unite?
On 18 August the Belarus president sent greetings to participants of the 2nd International Anti-Fascist Congress in Minsk.
The message reads: “The time has come for all people of good will to join forces in order to oppose the instigators of a new world war, those who have once again raised the banners of fascism and Nazism. We see that the United States of America and its satellites are trying to preserve their hegemonic position and to slow down the development of countries that they see as their rivals. To this end, they are destroying the global security system, inciting color revolutions and armed conflicts on all continents, grossly interfering in the affairs of independent states. They are rewriting the history of World War Two, while European structures are adopting resolutions and decrees that justify Nazi war criminals and shift the blame onto the USSR for unleashing the war that became the bloodiest massacre in the history of humankind.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko went on saying: “We see the ramifications of this policy in Ukraine where a harsh, misanthropic pro-fascist regime came to power. It unleashed a civil war in the country and is ready to fight for the interests of the United States to the last Ukrainian standing. Our people, who lost every third compatriot during the Great Patriotic War, know well what war is, that's why we always stand for peace, equality and dialogue of nations. And today all Belarusians, together with the participants of the 2nd International Anti-Fascist Congress, resolutely say: No to war! No to fascism and neo-colonialism!”