Lukashenko wishes Ukrainians "health and peace" on Independence Day

Self-proclaimed president of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has congratulated the Ukrainian people on the 35th anniversary of Independence Day, making no mention of the fact that his regime has been supporting Russia's war against Ukraine for the last five years.

Source: Lukashenko's press service

Details: The self-styled president stated that "the historical fates of the Belarusian and Ukrainian peoples are closely intertwined. Our nations are bound by centuries-old traditions and the memory of shared victories and severe trials".

Lukashenko expressed confidence that "despite geopolitical upheavals, future generations of Belarusians and Ukrainians will preserve their age-old friendly and kinship ties, and that Minsk and Kyiv will restore mutually beneficial cooperation on the principles of trust, respect and equality".

"Hospitable Belarus is always open to every Ukrainian who comes with good intentions," he said in his address.

Lukashenko wished all citizens of Ukraine "health and prosperity, and their country peace and happiness".

Background:

• On the night of 23-24 February 2022, Belarus opened its borders to Russian forces that were invading Ukraine. Missiles have been launched at Ukraine from Belarusian territory, and kamikaze drones fly into Ukraine through its airspace.
• Russia has deployed the nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system in Belarus.

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