**Title: Belarusian President Claims Putin Was Misled Over Peace Negotiations in Ukraine**
In a recent interview with Al Arabiya, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko asserted that Russian President Vladimir Putin was misled into withdrawing troops from near Kyiv in 2022. Lukashenko suggested that certain political forces, claiming to represent Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, falsely indicated a willingness to pursue peace, which he believes influenced Putin's decision.
Lukashenko reflected on the early stages of the conflict, stating that many, including himself, believed the war would conclude swiftly with a Russian victory, particularly when Russian forces were positioned close to the Ukrainian capital. He claimed that at that time, there was a widespread perception that Ukraine's resistance was nearing its end.
According to Lukashenko, prior to the withdrawal of Russian troops, various politicians urged Putin to halt military operations and engage in peace talks. He remarked, “Before that withdrawal, everyone understood that Ukraine’s days were numbered,” implying that the situation was favorable for a Russian resolution to the conflict.
In his comments, Lukashenko specifically mentioned the involvement of “certain politicians and forces” that he claimed deceived Putin. He pointed to the Vatican and what he referred to as the “Jewish lobby,” suggesting that they communicated a false narrative of Zelensky's intentions regarding peace negotiations. He stated, “They said on behalf of Zelensky: that’s it, we are moving toward peace, we agree.”
While Lukashenko did not elaborate on the specifics of the “Jewish lobby,” it is noteworthy that during the early days of the conflict, then-Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett acted as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine. Bennett met with Putin in Moscow and engaged in multiple discussions with Zelensky, reportedly encouraging Zelensky to consider Moscow’s terms for peace.
Lukashenko's comments also touched on the Vatican's potential role in the negotiations. In March 2022, Pope Francis and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill held a video call emphasizing the importance of dialogue and negotiation in resolving the conflict.
Throughout March 2022, Moscow and Kyiv participated in several rounds of peace talks in Istanbul. In June 2023, Putin claimed that Ukrainian negotiators had initially agreed to a draft treaty that included provisions for Ukraine's permanent neutrality and security guarantees. However, he alleged that Ukraine later abandoned the agreement under pressure from Western leaders, including then-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who reportedly advised Kyiv not to finalize any deal with Russia.
Ukraine has contested Moscow's narrative regarding the failed negotiations, although its former chief negotiator, David Arakhamia, has acknowledged Johnson's influence. Following the breakdown of talks, Ukraine formally applied for NATO membership and moved away from discussions of neutrality.
Lukashenko's remarks come amidst ongoing tensions in the region and reflect the complex interplay of international diplomacy surrounding the conflict. The Belarusian president's claims have sparked discussions about the roles of various actors in the peace process and the implications of their involvement in the ongoing war.
As the situation continues to evolve, the perspectives of leaders like Lukashenko provide insight into the multifaceted nature of the conflict and the differing narratives surrounding its progression and potential resolution.