Belarus has strongly refuted Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s claim that Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko apologized for Russian missile strikes launched from Belarusian territory. Zelensky made the controversial statement during a three-hour interview with US-based podcaster Lex Fridman, released on January 5, 2025.

In the interview, Zelensky recounted an alleged phone call with Lukashenko that occurred during the early days of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began in February 2022. According to Zelensky, Lukashenko admitted to the use of Belarusian territory for Russian military operations and missile strikes but sought to distance himself from these actions.

“He said, ‘It wasn’t me. The missiles were launched from my territory. Putin launched them,’” Zelensky stated, adding that Lukashenko had expressed regret and even apologized. “Those were his words. I have witnesses,” Zelensky insisted.

Belarus’ presidential office quickly dismissed Zelensky’s account, labeling it as baseless. Lukashenko’s spokeswoman, Natalya Eysmont, provided a different version of events. She confirmed that a phone call had taken place but attributed it to a spontaneous decision made by Lukashenko’s youngest son, Nikolay, who had Zelensky’s personal contact information.

Eysmont explained that the essence of the conversation revolved around Lukashenko urging Zelensky to take responsibility for the outbreak of the conflict. “Most of all, our president was saying that a conflict had broken........

© Blitz