Lukashenko: North Korean troops in Ukraine would escalate conflict, I am ready to use nuclear weapons

(Patria) - There are not many world leaders who have been in power for thirty years, writes the BBC in the introduction to the interview with the Belarusian president.

Alexander Lukashenko is accused of election theft, suppression of dissent, and dismantling democracy. The United Kingdom, the EU, and the US do not recognize him as the legitimate president of Belarus.

There is something else you should know about him: if there is any leader who knows Vladimir Putin inside out, it is Lukashenko. The two have known each other for years and meet regularly, writes the BBC.

The BBC journalist met with Lukashenko on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. He wants Belarus to become a member.

Journalist Steve Rosenberg asked him to comment on claims that North Korea sent troops to fight alongside Russia in Ukraine.

- Garbage - Lukashenko replied.

Knowing his character, Putin would never try to persuade another country to include its army in the Russian special operation in Ukraine.

- And if the reports are confirmed? - Rosenberg asked.

- It would be a step towards escalating the conflict if the armed forces of any country, including Belarus, were on the contact line. Even if we got involved in the war, this would be a path to escalation.

Why? Because you, the Anglo-Saxons, would immediately say that another country got involved on one side... then NATO troops would be deployed to Ukraine - Lukashenko replied.

When asked if Putin had ever asked him to provide Belarusian troops for the Kremlin's war in Ukraine, he replied:

"Never. Neither he, nor (former Minister of Defense) Sergei Shoigu, nor the current Minister of Defense Andrei Belousov have ever asked that question.

But Belarus played a role in the Russian war. In February 2022, Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine was launched, partly from Belarusian territory. Why did the country's leader allow the Kremlin to do that?

How do you know I gave permission to use Belarusian territory - Lukashenko said.

- Because Belarusian territory was used (for the invasion) - the journalist asserted.

- There were exercises underway involving several thousand Russian soldiers. Putin began to withdraw these troops who were in southern Belarus, down the road, along the border with Ukraine.

At one point, he diverted some of these troops towards Kyiv. I am sure they were provoked. It is up to Putin how he withdraws his troops. Through Kyiv. Or he could have passed through Minsk - Lukashenko pointed out.

- Didn't you call Putin to ask what was happening? - the journalist asked.

- No. He didn't call me. And I didn't call him. These are his troops and he has the right to move them however he wants - the Belarusian president added.

This comment reflects the extent of the Kremlin's influence in neighboring Belarus, the BBC concludes.

Another example: Russia deployed tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.

- Is Putin ready to use those weapons in the war in Ukraine? - the journalist asked.

- Putin will never use weapons stationed in Belarus without the consent of the Belarusian president - Lukashenko replied.

- Are you ready to allow the use of nuclear weapons? - followed the next question.

- I am completely ready, otherwise what are these weapons for? But only if the boot of one (foreign) soldier steps into Belarus. We are not planning to attack anyone - Lukashenko added.

Human rights groups estimate that there are currently 1,300 political prisoners in Belarus. Lukashenko previously said there were none.

But speaking to the BBC (perhaps inadvertently) he used the term "political prisoner" when talking about a small number released in recent months.

Some commentators interpreted the statements as Lukashenko's message to the West seeking better relations. He denies this.

- We released political prisoners for humanitarian reasons. They were mostly elderly and sick people. That's all. This is not a step towards improving relations with you. If you don't want relations with us, that's fine. We can do without you - Lukashenko said.