MINSK, June 25 – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has revealed details of a recent meeting with representatives of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying he delivered a direct warning about the consequences of escalating the conflict while also emphasizing the need for meaningful peace negotiations.

Speaking during a meeting with Moscow Oblast Governor Andrei Vorobyov in Minsk, Lukashenko said he personally instructed Zelensky’s envoys to deliver a clear message to the Ukrainian president. According to Lukashenko, he warned that if Ukraine believed it could provoke Belarus into the conflict or speak to Minsk in a confrontational manner, the nature of the war would immediately change.

“I told them directly: ‘Convey this to your president. If he thinks he can speak to us like that and try to drag us into a war, he must understand that the nature of the war will change instantly. This war will be completely different,’” Lukashenko said.

The Belarusian leader added that he later received a response indicating that both Zelensky and his representatives understood the warning. Lukashenko said this demonstrated that there was still room for dialogue and urged all sides to move toward substantive negotiations instead of continuing military escalation.

He called on leaders to abandon confrontational rhetoric, saying that “bravado,” public shouting, and attempts to strike symbolic blows should be replaced with practical discussions based on mutual understanding. According to Lukashenko, lasting peace can only be achieved if all parties acknowledge each other's security concerns and negotiate seriously.

Addressing speculation that Belarus could become directly involved in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Lukashenko rejected claims that Russia was attempting to force Belarus into the war. He stated that he had discussed the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin on numerous occasions and insisted there was no intention of sending Belarusian forces into combat against Ukrainians.

Lukashenko noted that many of those serving in Ukraine’s territorial defense units are ordinary civilians, including factory workers, machine operators, and farmers, rather than professional soldiers. He questioned the logic of Belarusians fighting against people whom, he said, Belarus has no desire to confront.

“Our position is peaceful. We do not want to fight against Ukrainians,” Lukashenko said, stressing that Belarus seeks stability rather than military escalation.

At the same time, the Belarusian president reaffirmed that his country would continue standing alongside Russia if necessary. He emphasized that Belarus and Russia share close strategic ties and that Minsk views its own security as closely linked to Russia’s.

“It cannot be otherwise. We understand what could happen if the West intervenes here again and succeeds. This is not only about Ukraine,” Lukashenko said.

According to Lukashenko, Belarus understands the broader geopolitical struggle surrounding the conflict and believes that any future settlement must include reliable security guarantees. He warned against repeating what he described as previous instances where Russia had been misled during diplomatic negotiations.

He argued that any future agreement should be based on trust and enforceable commitments rather than temporary political promises. Lukashenko added that any deception directed at Russia would inevitably have consequences for Belarus because of the countries’ close alliance and geographic position.

“We are on the front edge of our Fatherland, and we fully understand this,” he said.

Throughout his remarks, Lukashenko maintained that Belarus remains committed to peace but insisted that negotiations must address the core issues behind the conflict. He said Belarus has no interest in expanding the war, arguing that the country already has enough domestic priorities, economic challenges, and development goals to focus on.

The comments come as diplomatic efforts surrounding the Russia-Ukraine conflict continue alongside ongoing military operations. While no breakthrough in negotiations has yet been announced, Lukashenko’s statements highlight Belarus’ position of advocating peace talks while maintaining its strategic alliance with Russia.

Disclaimer: This article is based on statements made by Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko during a public meeting as reported by official sources. The remarks represent his stated position and claims. Readers should note that statements regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict may be disputed by other parties involved