The European Union has categorically dismissed the possibility of Belarus acting as a mediator in future peace negotiations concerning Ukraine. This decision stems from Belarus’s long-standing support for Russia’s military actions against Ukraine.
In response to statements made by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko regarding his willingness to participate in the peace process, the European Commission emphasized a complete lack of trust in the Belarusian leadership. “When it comes to trust in Lukashenko’s regime, there is zero trust. There is no point in discussing their mediation role. We are striving for a long-lasting and just peace in Ukraine,” stated Anita Hipper, a spokesperson for the Commission.
Hipper further noted that discussions within the EU are ongoing regarding the conditions and concessions that would be required from the Russian Federation to achieve a sustainable peace. However, Brussels currently observes no goodwill from Moscow for engaging in meaningful dialogue.
Recent days have seen a resurgence of diplomatic discussions about potentially reviving the peace process. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated that Ukraine is prepared for negotiations in the coming weeks, with involvement from Europe and the United States. He mentioned that Kyiv has maintained good communication with the American side, but the central issue remains whether Moscow is ready for genuine dialogue or if it will again evade diplomatic efforts.
Simultaneously, the European Union has begun preparations for a possible negotiation process. Reports indicate that the EU is considering candidates for negotiations with Russia, including former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and current Finnish President Alexander Stubb. It is anticipated that foreign ministers from EU member states will discuss these candidates in detail during their upcoming meeting in Cyprus.
The European Union has firmly rejected Belarus as a mediator in Ukraine peace talks, citing a lack of trust due to Belarus's support for Russian aggression. Diplomatic efforts are intensifying, with Ukraine expressing readiness for negotiations involving European and American partners.