Lukashenko gives his take on Minsk as venue for Russia-Ukraine talks

Belarus is not seeking to organize negotiations on the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine in Minsk by any means, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko told journalists in Minsk on 22 August, Report informs via BelTA.

"I am not seeking to organize negotiations on the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine in Minsk by any means. However, if the parties agree and wish to hold them here, the Belarusian side will do everything necessary," Lukashenko stated.

Aleksandr Lukashenko said that he is not driven by a "wishful thinking" to organize the negotiations between Putin and Zelenskyy in Minsk, although it would be an ideal location for them. "However, if the Russian and Ukrainian sides agree and decide to come here, Belarus will organize everything at the proper level even by tomorrow."