“Go and Talk to Belarus, Russia Has No Connection”: Putin Urges Europe

Russian President Vladimir Putin has advised Europe to engage in negotiations with Belarus. According to Putin, Alexander Lukashenko, unlike representatives of the radical Taliban movement, came to power through lawful means.

“Everyone wants to speak with the Taliban despite them being on the UN’s terrorist list. They say that the movement controls that territory and negotiations must happen with them. Belarusian President Lukashenko did not come to power through armed struggle but through voting. If someone does not like the results, that is another matter. My response is this: 'Go and talk to the Belarusian authorities. Why are you talking to us? Russia has no connection,'” Putin stated during a press briefing following negotiations with Lukashenko.