Putin, Lukashenko acknowledge regret over full-scale war

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin 'regrets' initiating the full-scale war in Ukraine, which has resulted in significant casualties. In an interview, Lukashenko suggested that Putin did not anticipate the war's escalation and was initially open to negotiations to address issues like NATO and the treatment of Russian speakers in Ukraine. Lukashenko also accused former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson of obstructing peace efforts during the Istanbul peace process in 2022, ultimately pushing Ukraine back into conflict. He criticized U.S. President Joe Biden for not independently engaging with Putin and suggested that Trump would have been more effective in resolving the situation. Lukashenko's comments reflect a broader narrative of blame directed at Western leaders for the continued violence, while he expresses a willingness to work with Trump for a resolution. This dialogue occurs amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the U.S., EU, and Russia.