Self-proclaimed president Belarus Alexander Lukashenko issued a cynical greeting for Ukraine on Independence Day.

Greetings, published According to the dictator's press service, he stated that the purpose of the Belarusian and Ukrainian peoples is"to live side by side in peace and harmony." He insists that Belarus "remains open to Ukrainians."

"Close coexistence has established indissoluble blood ties between our people, anchored by a common historical destiny, common Christian values, and sincere friendship. No matter how external forces pull us in different directions, Belarus remains open to Ukrainians. We are committed to mutually beneficial cooperation and constructive dialogue with our southern neighbors," Lukashenko said.

In addition, the dictator cynically wished Ukraine"peaceful skies, solidarity, and truly independent development." At the same time, in his greeting, he did not mention the war that Russia unleashed against Ukraine, in particular with the support of Belarus.

War in Ukraine - the position of Belarus

Belarus has been an ally of Moscow since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, providing its territory for the deployment of Russian troops and launching missile strikes on Ukraine. Although the Belarusian army is not directly involved in the fighting, Alexander Lukashenko's regime gives the Kremlin logistical, political and military support. Minsk has allowed the deployment of Russian aircraft, air defense systems and even tactical nuclear weapons on its territory.

At the same time, Lukashenko is trying to avoid directly sending Belarusian troops to the front, fearing internal destabilization and loss of control. The Belarusian opposition, in particular Svitlana Tikhanovskaya, has consistently stated that the Lukashenko regime dragged the country into war against the will of the people.