Lukashenko revealed Putin's request to cover up ‘if something goes wrong’
In an interview with Ukrainian journalist Diana Panchenko, the President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, said that – before the start of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine – he had not discussed the possibility of such development of events with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Nevertheless, the Russian leader addressed the ally with a request a few days before February 24th, 2022, BelTA reports.
"You watched his speech on TV [after the beginning of the special military operation], I also watched it. This is the first point. We never had a conversation, right on the eve of hostilities, that the war would begin. I swear to you that we did not have a conversation that Russia would commit any actions against Ukraine. The only point is that, a few days before the events, we met with him at his country residence and discussed the situation that had developed," Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “He told me exactly the following (I am voicing this for the first time): ‘Listen, Sasha, you know, a situation has developed. If, God forbid, something goes wrong, we are allies...’. Of course, we are allies, and everyone knows about our treaties: if someone is fighting against Russia, then we enter the war. In the same way, if someone is acting against Belarus, then they are joining the war. We have actually a unified army here. ‘If something happens...’ [these are Vladimir Putin's words]. I asked what could happen, and he replied: ‘Well, anything can happen. Please cover me up then’.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko recalled that several days after the start of the special military operation he made a statement that Belarus was not getting involved in the conflict, as it could do little to help, and Russia was already able to cope with anyone. "At the same time, we will not allow Russians to be shot in their back. Do you remember this phrase of mine? It was due to Putin's request: ‘Please, cover me up’. Most likely, he was afraid of an attack into the back from the West,” the Belarusian leader added.
