Belarus to take joint decision with Russia on recognition of Donetsk & Luhansk regions

Amid ongoing crisis in Eastern Europe, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has declared that any decision on recognition of Donetsk (DPR) and Lugansk People's Republics (LPR) will be taken in consultation with Russia. He went on to say that decision would be mutually beneficial for both parties. Notably, Donetsk and Lugansk People's republics are located in Donbass region of Ukraine.

"We will discuss with Russian President Vlimir Putin about how we should go so that both Russia and Belarus benefit," Lukashenko said, ding that it would be a joint decision, Sputnik reported. 

According to Lukashenko, if Ukrainian government h wanted to end violence in Donbass region, it would have done it by now. "What we can do? We have Russian President Putin, we have Ukrainian President Zelensky... Belarus will do whatever it wants. re is only one goal - peace in Donbass region and we are committed to doing everything for it," Belarusian President was quoted by Sputnik as saying. 

Lukashenko me his remarks after Russian Parliament voted decisively in favour of urging President Putin to recognise two self-proclaimed People's Republics in Donbas region. 

Russia will consider Donbass' interests before taking any action: Putin

However, Putin did not provide a definitive response to request and inste pledged that Russia will consider Donbass' interests before taking any action. Russian President also emphasised significance of Minsk agreements, expressing optimism that y might still be implemented despite Kyiv's repeated refusal to do so.

Minsk Accords were result of talks that began in 2015 in order to put an end to domestic strife that h erupted in Ukraine's eastern part after a Western-backed uprising in Kyiv. Fearing that ir right to freely speak Russian, one of prevalent local languages, would be infringed upon, two Donbass regions h revolted against new nationalist-minded government. 

'I will be President 'forever' if West does not stop 'attacking' Belarus': Lukashenko

It should be mentioned here that Belarusian President Lukashenko stated on Thursday that if West does not stop "attacking" Belarus, he will be President "forever."  

"If y attack as y did in 2020, I will be President indefinitely," Lukashenko told reporters. Earlier on Wednesday, February 16, Belarusian Foreign Minister Vlimir Makei claimed that Minsk intends to expand military collaboration with Moscow as well as participation under Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).  

(Image: AP)