Vadym Prystaiko Comments on Ukraine-Belarus Relations, Emphasizing Threats from Lukashenko

Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister and Ambassador to the United Kingdom Vadym Prystaiko recently addressed the intricate dynamics between Ukraine and Belarus during an interview with Radio NV. He underscored that Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko poses a significant threat to Ukraine. Prystaiko reflected on past attempts to establish relations with Lukashenko, noting that these efforts were driven by the need to address critical issues, yet the outcomes were disappointing.

“When we initially sought to engage with Lukashenko, we had reasons and motives. I remember that time. We needed to resolve very critical specific issues. But ultimately, look at how that ended. As always, reality prevailed, and it prevails over everyone. Lukashenko is an enemy to us, and this needs to be stated plainly,” Prystaiko declared during the Radio NV broadcast.

He further emphasized that Ukrainians desire change within the Belarusian government but with minimal casualties. “One could say we are employing a well-known tactic, where you engage with a 'good dog' until your hand feels a sufficiently large stone. That is enough. Diplomacy exists to support and gauge your partner,” the diplomat added.

Prystaiko explained the importance of maintaining contact with the Belarusian regime to anticipate its actions. “It’s like in judo or any combat sport: you cannot sever ties with your partner; otherwise, you lose the ability to predict their next moves. If we declare that this is an enemy, we will stop understanding what is happening there,” he noted.

The diplomat also pointed out the discomfort in Ukraine regarding the presence of threats from Belarus, particularly mentioning the potential for attacks from various directions, making it a broader issue for Europe. “We would like our routes leading to Poland, which carry all the weapons for us, to remain uncut, right? And with these roads, drivers know how close one of the main highways is to Belarus,” Prystaiko stressed.

He also mentioned the necessity of keeping Lukashenko as an unofficial enemy, as this strategy helps avoid additional losses for Ukraine. “If we manage to keep one Russian ally from entering the war, that is an achievement, as not engaging with him means Ukraine will not incur additional losses,” he added.

It is worth noting that at the end of December, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russians were attempting to bypass Ukrainian defensive positions through Belarusian territory. He also highlighted that antennas and other equipment were being installed on rooftops in Belarus to guide Shahed drones towards targets in western Ukraine.

“First and foremost, we are observing that the Russians are trying to circumvent our interceptor defensive positions through neighboring Belarus. This poses risks for Belarus. It is unfortunate that Belarus is surrendering its sovereignty in favor of Russian aggressive ambitions,” Zelensky remarked.

On February 27, Ukrainian Defense Ministry advisor on technological issues, Serhiy Beskrestnov (Flash), provided updates regarding the destruction of the Shahed guidance network originating from Belarus. He explained that these networks consist of radio modems that not only receive and transmit signals but also serve as relays and signal amplifiers.

“Of course, we did not remain silent observers of this process of managing Shaheds from the territory of Belarus,” Serhiy Beskrestnov concluded, emphasizing the importance of Ukraine's proactive measures in response to threats emanating from Belarus.

In January, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha announced that Ukraine would maintain relations with representatives of democratic Belarus and appoint a special representative to communicate with democratic Belarusian forces. On April 1, Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko stated that he does not seek war but is preparing for it.