Lukashenko congratulates Ukrainians on Independence Day: wishes "health and peace"

Self-proclaimed president of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has congratulated the Ukrainian people on the 35th anniversary of Independence Day, without mentioning that his regime has been supporting Russia's war against Ukraine for five years.

Source: Lukashenko's press service

Details: The self-proclaimed 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 centuries-old friendly and kinship ties, and 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," the address also states.

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 invaded Ukraine. Missiles were launched at Ukraine from the territory of Belarus, and kamikaze drones also fly into Ukraine through its airspace.
• Russia has deployed the Oreshnik missile system in Belarus, whose missiles are capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.

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