On 19 September 2023, Belarus leader Aleksandr Lukashenko met with Denise Puszylin, leader of the unrecognized Donetsk People's Republic (DRL). This gathering is controversial, especially in the light of Belarusian-Ukrainian relations and Belarus' position towards Ukrainian sovereignty. Although Minsk has for a decade refrained from authoritative designation of the DRL, this gathering seems to be a step towards deepening cooperation between Belarus and the DRL.
Lukashenko on cooperation with the People's Republic of Donetsk
During the meeting, Lukashenko pointed out that Belarus has long been cooperating with the Donetsk Oblast, and the hard situation in Ukraine has not interrupted these relations. Quoted by the opposition portal Zerkalo, Belarusian leader said:
“We have always worked with the Donetsk Oblast within Ukraine. And of course, in these difficult, hard times since this period, for 10 years, we have not abandoned this cooperation and we are ready to proceed it.”
These words item the continuity of cooperation, which, according to Lukashenko, develops despite the conflict in the east of Ukraine. He besides added that in fresh years cooperation has taken on a fresh dimension:
“There are any changes, the base has been created.”
Prepared to cooperate with Ukraine
At the same time, Lukashenko expressed his desire to keep a relation with Ukraine on akin terms as with the DRL. He said:
“We are ready to work with Ukraine on absolutely these principles.”
He besides stressed that Belarus' actions are aimed at the good of people and do not violate global standards. Lukashenko stated that Belarus is ready to support Ukraine in various areas, from construction to education, while maintaining a neutral, peaceful policy:
“We act for the good of people. If you have a problem building, we will support you and aid you. [...] We are ready to cooperate with Ukraine on absolutely these principles. That's why there's no request to come moving at us. We are peace lovers.”
Ukraine reaction
Kiev's position on this gathering was definitely critical. The Ministry of abroad Affairs of Ukraine condemned the gathering of Lukashenko with Puszylin as an act of contempt for Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ukrainian diplomacy issued a message in which it considered this event to be a manifestation of Belarusian submission to the Kremlin's instructions:
"This gathering is another confirmation that the position of the current government of Belarus on sovereignty and territorial integrity Ukraine is only dictated by the Kremlin’s instructions.’
The message besides contained a harsh criticism of Lukashenko's “hypocritic rhetoric” which declares its willingness to cooperate with Ukraine while supporting pro-Russian forces occupying its territories. In Kiev's opinion, these actions are further evidence of Belarusian support for Russian aggression.
Ukrainian diplomacy besides addressed the Belarusian people directly, calling for a sense of political reality. The message notes that Lukashenko's "warm feelings" towards Ukrainians sound false in the context of his actions supporting separatists:
“In the background of repeated contacts between Belarusian officials and Russian puppets from our temporarily occupied territories, Alexander Lukashenko’s continuing statements about his 'warm feelings' to the 'brotherly Ukrainian people' sound like a mockery.”
International reactions and consequences
Lukashenko's gathering with Puszylin, as well as his willingness to cooperate with the DRL, raises a number of questions about Belarus' further policy in an global context. Minsk's decisions may affect relations not only with Ukraine but besides with another countries that support Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity. These actions may besides lead to an increase in the global isolation of Belarus, peculiarly in the context of sanctions imposed by the European Union and the United States.
It is worth noting that although Belarus emphasizes its independency in abroad policy, it increasingly openly supports pro-Russian separatist forces in Donbasa. This, according to many observers, proves that Lukashenko's policy is mostly dependent on Moscow.
Conclusion
Alexander Lukashenko's gathering with Denise Puszylin is another example of a complicated political game that Belarus is playing internationally. Although Lukashenko tries to present her policy as neutral and peaceful, these actions are interpreted by Ukraine as supporting Russian aggression. global responses to this movement can decide on the further destiny of Belarus' relation with the West and its place in global politics.
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Mr Lukashenko met with the leader of the Donetsk People's Republic. Kiev angry
