Aleksandr Lukashenko criticized Poland’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, urging a more constructive approach in relations between Belarus and Poland.
Belarus-Poland Relations Post-Nawrocki Victory
Following Karol Nawrocki’s presidential election victory, Belarusian leader Alaksandr Lukashenko clarified his stance on diplomatic relations with Poland. “We have no illusions about quickly resuming dialogue with Poland,” he said.
Russian Interview and Warsaw-Poland Tensions
In an interview with the Russian magazine “Razwiedczik,” Lukashenko addressed Poland’s unfounded accusations against Belarus. “We are open to dialogue,” he stressed, urging Poland and Belarus to “build bridges, not walls.”
Poland Withdraws from Ottawa Convention
In June, the Polish parliament passed an act to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, prohibiting the use of anti-personnel mines. Former President Andrzej Duda signed the bill. Both Baltic states and Poland have since withdrawn, allowing the deployment of mines along borders with Belarus.
Lukashenko Criticizes NATO Military Buildup
Lukashenko also noted the increased NATO military spending and the withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention by some countries as evidence of “another attempt to exert pressure on Belarus.” He added, “We want to go there, but in tractors, not tanks.”
