Diplomat Chaly on Lukashenko's words about Russia's collapse

He expressed this opinion on Espreso TV.

"Regarding Lukashenko's remarks at the meeting of the Council of Ministers of Internal Affairs of the Commonwealth of Independent States  (CIS), where he called for the CIS countries to stick together if Russia falls, he is now trying to escape from the abyss. I welcome these efforts. What he says is one thing, but what he does is actually a bit different. In this context, there are also more significant statements from Poland, specifically from Radosław Sikorski (Poland's Minister of Foreign Affairs). So, Lukashenko is being sent signals that he can still stay on the edge of the abyss if he behaves properly," the diplomat commented.

According to him, regarding other CIS leaders, Lukashenko is trying to drag them along and speak on their behalf, but in Valeriy Chaly's opinion, they don't share his view because they are focused on China.

"By the way, Lukashenko now views China as his suzerain who will save him from Putin in this situation. Take note of the recent joint exercises between the Chinese and Belarusians. This happened after Putin, without informing Xi Jinping, traveled to North Korea. So, things are not as simple as they seem, and Lukashenko needs to speak out on these matters. You can see the context in which and the meeting where he presides. I think Lukashenko still dreams of leading the Union State with Russia, but it seems to me that you can't sit on two chairs for long. He has to choose - either his personal security in the future, building some bridges with Western countries by distancing himself from war criminal Putin, or he will end up in the abyss. As for him trying to drag others along, I think they are smart enough not to fall for it," concluded Valeriy Chaly.

• Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski says Poland is ready to open borders with Belarus after the release of Polish-language journalist Andrzej Poczobut.