Lukaschenko: Ukraine could cease to exist as a state

Belarusian President Alexander Lukaschenko has warned that Ukraine could cease to exist as a state if diplomatic solutions aren't found soon, while Russian military advances continue. According to Lukaschenko, Russia has been making significant territorial gains, with President Putin claiming that Russian forces have liberated almost 5,000 square kilometers and taken control of over 210 settlements since the beginning of the year. In an interview, Lukaschenko emphasized the urgent need for meaningful negotiations to resolve the conflict.

He suggested that Ukraine might disappear as a state if Russia continues its current military progress. He also claimed that Western neighboring countries are eager to potentially conquer parts of Ukraine.

Lukaschenko identified Ukrainian President Zelenskyy as the primary obstacle to peace, arguing that strong external pressure is necessary to bring him to negotiations. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov previously stated that direct talks between Russia and Ukraine have stalled because Kyiv is unwilling to establish working groups. The two sides have conducted three rounds of talks in Istanbul, with the last meeting in July.