Self-proclaimed Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko has warned that Ukraine may cease to exist as a state, so Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy supposedly "needs to sit down and negotiate" and "act urgently".

Source: Lukashenko in a comment to Kremlin propagandist Pavel Zarubin

Details: Lukashenko said he used to be inclined to "blame European leaders and Europe for their inability to reach an agreement", but in recent days, he has been supposedly receiving "a tonne of information" that "the problem is not with the United States, which is very keen to move forward here, nor with Russia, which is ready to move forward, nor with European leaders, but rather in Volodymyr Zelenskyy".

The Belarusian leader believes that "strong pressure" could be exerted on Zelenskyy, and then "appropriate decisions will be made under this pressure".

Quote: "But actions must be taken urgently. Russia is advancing on the front line, and I say this responsibly, because I observe this every day, and it could lead to the disappearance of Ukraine as a state."

More details: Lukashenko did not specify what Russian advances on the front line he was referring to, nor did he cite any specific facts.

He also sought to intimidate Ukraine by claiming that its western neighbours "see themselves in Ukraine's west" and "are ready to take part of Ukraine, as was the case before the start of the Great Patriotic War". [Great Patriotic War is a term originating in Russia (and earlier in the Soviet Union), as well as in several other post-Soviet countries, used to refer to the Eastern Front of World War II – the theatre of war where the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany were the main opposing forces – ed.]

"Therefore, the scenario is very serious. I would like Ukraine's president to listen to my suggestions and understand that no one will bring happiness to Ukraine except the Slavic states, so it is necessary to sit down and negotiate," Lukashenko said.

Commenting on the possibility of the United States providing Ukraine with Tomahawk long-range missiles, Lukashenko said that "we need to calm down in this regard".

"Our friend Donald (Trump – ed.) has a certain tactic for dealing with the most pressing issues. That is why he sometimes puts pressure on the relevant authorities and people, sometimes acts more harshly, and then eases up a little and steps back. So we should not take it at face value that tomorrow it will all be launched," he added.

Nevertheless, he warned that "there is an antidote for any poison".

Background:

• On 11 October, Zelenskyy spoke with Trump on the phone. Media reports indicate that one of the topics of conversation was the possibility of Ukraine acquiring Tomahawk long-range missiles.
• The Kremlin has said that the possible delivery of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine is causing "serious concern" in Russia.
• On Sunday 12 October, Zelenskyy spoke with Trump on the phone for the second time in two days.
• Zelenskyy later stated that Russia fears that the United States will transfer Tomahawk long-range missiles to Kyiv, and therefore, such pressure could help end the war.

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