Budanov assessed the threat from Belarus and explained Lukashenko's position

Kirill Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, stated that Belarus’s self-proclaimed president, Alexander Lukashenko, took the signals sent by the Ukrainian authorities seriously. According to him, Minsk is not currently interested in a direct military confrontation with Ukraine.

Budanov noted that dragging Belarus into the war would be disadvantageous for Lukashenko, so at this point, the threat of an open offensive from the Belarusian direction remains low.

According to the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, we can now take a more relaxed approach to the issue of Belarus. It is also extremely important not to create yet another enemy for ourselves.

“I don’t mean that we’re escalating anything there ourselves—no. But in principle, having another enemy and another combat zone is definitely not in our interest. The fact that they’ve heard us is a very positive step. And that’s exactly how we should view it,” Budanov explained.

According to the head of the Office of the President, Lukashenko certainly does not need a war with Ukraine.

Moreover, everyone understands that for Belarus, it would end in disaster.

“Because on one side is Russia, which will strangle Belarus in a ‘brotherly embrace’ and suffocate it under such conditions until the very end. And they know this perfectly well. On the other side is Ukraine, which, let’s just say, is capable of doing something,” Budanov explained.

Lukashenko realizes that a war with Ukraine makes no sense for him.

“Accordingly, as of now, at the time of this conversation, I don’t see any threats—and I’m not just talking about a ground offensive,” the head of the Office of the President concluded.

Kirill Budanov, head of the Office of the President, spoke about this in an exclusive interview with RBC-Ukraine.

Budanov warned of a deterioration in relations with Poland on the eve of the anniversary of the Volhynia tragedy.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized that the development of Polish-Ukrainian relations must be based on mutual goodwill. According to him, constructive dialogue is impossible if only one side demonstrates a willingness to cooperate.