Alexander Lukashenko, the autocratic leader of Belarus, has stated that he is doing “everything” to end the conflict in Ukraine. Belarus is currently under economic sanctions from the US, UK, and EU; its backing of the Russian invasion, and Lukashenko is a strong supporter of Putin.

“Thanks to yours truly, me, conversations between Ukraine and Russia have begun”; Lukashenko said in an interview with the Associated Press on Thursday.
He did say, though, that he hadn’t anticipated Russia’s “activity” in Ukraine to “go on this way,” accusing Ukraine of “provoking Russia” by refusing to negotiate.

Ukraine was alarmed earlier this week when the Belarusian military conducted a series of surprise drills near the border. The drills “didn’t threaten anyone,” Lukashenko told the Associated Press.