IN BRIEF: Belarusian president on Ukraine conflict timeline, risk of World War III

IN BRIEF: Belarusian president on Ukraine conflict timeline, risk of World War III Alexander Lukashenko stressed that there was no alternative to a peaceful settlement of the conflict in UkraineBelarusian President Alexander Lukashenko© Peter Kovalev/TASSMINSK, November 3. /TASS/. There is no alternative to a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, and Minsk is ready to host anyone interested in resolving it, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said at the 4th International Conference on Eurasian Security. In his view, fighting in Ukraine will end in the coming months, as everyone is tired of the conflict. Lukashenko highlighted that the world would face a third world war if the conflict in Ukraine is not stopped. TASS has compiled the Belarusian president’s key statements. Ukraine settlement Fighting in Ukraine will end in the coming months, as everyone is tired of the conflict. "The war in Ukraine will end in the coming months. That is my personal opinion. Everyone is exhausted: there is no strength left, no resources, and everyone is tired." There is no alternative to a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine. "There is no alternative to a peaceful settlement anyway." The world will face a third world war if the conflict in Ukraine is not stopped. "If we do not stop and continue down the path of escalation, we will certainly end up in a third world war." Russia is effectively fighting almost the entire West in Ukraine, and Belarus is well aware of this. "Russia is effectively fighting almost the entire West there. We know this very well. I am not simply repeating Russian or anyone else’s narratives. I am well informed on this matter." Belarus’ position on Ukraine Minsk is ready to host anyone interested in a settlement. "If you want to reach an agreement, I am addressing those who want to reach an agreement: please come to Minsk." Belarus wants the conflict in Ukraine to be settled as soon as possible. "We want a peaceful settlement as soon as possible. This bloody confrontation, which has drawn in two peoples who are both brothers to us, is taking place right on our border." The conflict in Ukraine is already affecting Belarusian territory, and Minsk is doing everything it can to avoid being drawn into it. "Some people want to drag Belarus into this war and trigger an escalation. But drawing Belarus into the war would not simply mean escalation; it would take this war to a terrifying new level. We are doing everything we can to avoid getting involved." Belarus has taken in 500,000 Ukrainians since the start of the conflict. "Half a million Ukrainians live in Belarus, and we have not seen a single case of them behaving badly. They fled the war and are ready to live in any conditions. We provide them with housing, and many have found a second home here. They have equal rights with Belarusians and are guaranteed access to jobs, healthcare and education." Trump’s policies US President Donald Trump’s policies are polarizing the world and drawing justified criticism, but his actions are effectively keeping the world from a third world war. "I have mentioned the Americans so often for a reason. Although they are not in our region, much depends on them. President Trump’s policies are polarizing the world and, let us be frank, drawing justified criticism. But through his actions, despite their inconsistency, Trump is effectively keeping the world from a third world war, which could erupt in a nuclear form. And there would be no hiding from it even across the ocean." Trump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for preventing the Europeans from unleashing a nuclear conflict. "He deserves the [Nobel] Peace Prize just for preventing the Europeans from unleashing a nuclear conflict." Europe’s preparations for a potential military conflict Western countries fail to grasp the scale of the potential military conflict for which they are preparing. "Western countries never tire of frightening their populations, especially now with the fabricated threat of a war with Russia supposedly planned for 2030. The West hardly seems to grasp the kind of military confrontation this would entail." Refusal to intercept illegal migrants Belarusian authorities will not intercept illegal migrants heading to the European Union under the current sanctions restrictions. "I told them frankly: you're choking me [with sanctions], you've put a noose around my neck, why should I catch someone to protect you? That was the case before these sanctions. You’ve slapped sanctions and started strangling us. And you want me to continue this policy? Let me be clear: we won't catch anyone." Migrants come to the EU at the invitation of European countries. "People are coming to you at your invitation. So, accept them in and provide them with humane conditions," he said. European policies European countries are seeking to distract their populations from domestic problems by turning to war. "It is obvious that the true reasons behind the growing protests in Europe are economic and social problems, the uncontrolled rise in prices and utility rates, declining living standards and security, and rampant crime. The easiest way out in such a situation is to keep demonizing us, Russia, and to hit yourselves with the boomerang of thoughtless sanctions. Then the only option, of course, is wholesale militarization: keeping people afraid through propaganda and keeping industry on life support through an arms race." The EU countries’ attempts to approach every issue from a position of strength will lead nowhere. "What are we seeing today? Massive protests in France, Belgium, Spain, Italy and Germany. Poland has gone mad. Young people are calling on the older generation to come to their senses and invest money in education, not weapons. But uneducated people are easier to control! I will not even go into how the much-praised democracy and their media have shown themselves in the course of these protests. Children have been injured: some have lost an eye, others an arm. Thousands have been thrown into prison, and they are planning to ban social media and block the internet. Are these not political prisoners? I wonder whether [French] President [Emmanuel] Macron and other European leaders will face sanctions for violating human rights and be branded dictators?" On the OSCE At a meeting with Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioglu, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko urged the organization to return to its professional duties. "As for the OSCE, I must say that our attitude toward this organization is mixed for reasons well known to you. But looking at the OSCE’s role from a professional standpoint, I would like to stress that we will always work to ensure that the organization returns to its core responsibilities and focuses on security and cooperation.". 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