Key facts
- Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko apologized to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
- Lukashenko stated Belarus poses no military threat to Ukraine.
- Lukashenko's apology was a response to Ukrainian statements identifying potential targets in Belarus.
- Lukashenko warned Zelensky to avoid provoking Belarus.
Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko stated that Belarus poses no military threat to Ukraine and apologized to President Volodymyr Zelensky for previous harsh remarks, according to an interview with Al Arabiya. Lukashenko explained his earlier comments were a reaction to perceived threats from Ukraine, including statements identifying hundreds of potential targets within Belarus and knowledge of his whereabouts.
"If Volodymyr Oleksandrovych was offended, I apologize to him for these words," Lukashenko said, suggesting his tone may have been overly harsh given the ongoing conflict. He also urged Zelensky to be more cautious in his statements to avoid provoking Belarus. "No military action should be expected from Belarus, and especially from me," Lukashenko asserted.