During a telephone conversation on May 24, French President Emmanuel Macron issued a stern warning to Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko regarding Belarus’s involvement in Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine. This marked the first direct communication recorded between the two leaders since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. Macron emphasized the dangers Belarus faces by aligning itself more closely with Russia’s aggressive military actions.

Additionally, Macron encouraged Lukashenko to seek improved relations with European nations, a step viewed as crucial given the escalating regional tensions and heightened military activity observed near NATO’s eastern borders. The context for this communication followed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s strategic move to reinforce defenses along the Belarusian border, amidst suspicions of a potential new offensive orchestrated from Belarusian grounds.

Russia has dismissed Zelenskyy’s warnings, yet apprehensions have increased, particularly after recent joint military exercises involving Belarus and Russia, including nuclear drills. The deployment of the Russian Oreshnik missile system, an intermediate-range ballistic missile capability, has further stirred security concerns.

The initiation of the call reportedly came from French interests, reflecting Macron’s persistent advocacy for direct dialogue with Russian leadership, an approach he had promoted even amidst previous European dissatisfaction over exclusion from critical discussions. This diplomatic outreach attempts to balance the urgent need for dialogue with Russia, recognized by both France and Germany, without undermining ongoing efforts to resolve the war.

Más información en Ukrainska Pravda