Zelenskyy responds to Lukashenko's statement on "non-aggression pact"

Ukrinform reported the information, citing a comment by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a joint press conference with President of Finland Sauli Niinistö in Kyiv.

"We have had no intention to attack Belarus, either now nor in the past. This is the main message from the entire Ukrainian people to the Belarusian people. It is very important for us that Belarus does not lose its independence and does not enter this absolutely shameful war, despite any influence from anyone," he said.

In addition, when asked whether Ukraine had actually offered Belarus a "non-aggression pact," he answered that  "You are informed on all of Ukraine’s official proposals."

Also, according to Zelenskyy, the majority of the population of Belarus, the majority of the military, "who are the military loyal to Belarus," do not want to attack and come with weapons against Ukrainians.

"Therefore, of course, we will be very surprised if there is an offensive from this direction... by Belarusian troops," Zelenskyy emphasized.

At the same time, as for the Russian troops, which, according to him, “can be on any territory of any state, because they believe that they have such a 'military Schengen,” Zelenskyy stressed that everything depends "on the respect of the population of any state for their state, as well as the respect of the leadership of a particular state, which may or may not allow military, armed people to enter its independent territory."

Therefore, answering the question of whether Russian troops could move from the Belarusian direction against Ukraine, Zelenskyy noted that such a development could be possible, and that the task of Ukrainians is to "prepare for any challenges."

At the same time, the president expressed confidence that even in the event of a hypothetical offensive, the enemy would not succeed.

Earlier, Belarusian Nasha Niva outlet reported that self-proclaimed President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said that Ukraine had offered the republic a non-aggression agreement.

At the same time, he accused Ukraine of receiving weapons and said that Belarus was forced to "react harshly."

"I don't know why the Ukrainians are doing this. On the one hand, they ask us not to fight with Ukraine under any circumstances, so that our troops do not go there. They offer to sign a non-aggression pact. On the other hand, they are preparing explosives and weapons. Poland and Lithuania have become insolent. Why do they need this? It is not clear. That's why we have to react harshly," he said.

• On December 22, Lukashenko gathered security officials to discuss whether " neighbors are prepared to attack."