The authoritarian leader of ex-Soviet Belarus Alexander Lukashenko on Wednesday congratulated Ukraine on its Independence Day, saying that “today’s contradictions” should not destroy long-term neighbourly ties with the pro-Western country.
Wednesday also marked six months since the start of Moscow’s military intervention in Ukraine, which Russia launched from several directions, including from Belarusian territory.
“I am convinced that today’s contradictions will not be able to destroy the centuries-old foundation of sincere good neighbourly ties between the peoples of our two countries,” Lukashenko said in a statement released by his press service.
“Belarus will continue to stand for the preservation of harmony, the development of friendly, mutually respectful contacts at all levels,” it added.
Lukashenko “wished Ukrainians a peaceful skies, tolerance, courage, strength and success in restoring a decent life,” his press service added.
Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhaylo Podolyak called the Belarus leader’s message “blood-soaked clowning”.
“Lukashenko truly believes that the world does not notice his participation in the crimes against Ukraine,” Podolyak said on Twitter, adding that the “cynical” message will have “consequences”.
Belarus relies financially and politically on its close ally Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin backed Lukashenko when he faced an international backlash and Western sanctions for his crackdown on 2020 protests against his re-election for a sixth term.
Western countries have slapped Belarus with new sanctions this year for its role in Russia’s Ukraine offensive launched on February 24.
Lukashenko allowed Russian troops into the country under the pretext of military exercises in the months before Moscow launched its military operation.
