Zelensky: Lukashenko Is Definitely Worth "losing"

• 19.02.2026, 8:43

And Belarus and Belarusians should be preserved for Europe.

"Belarus - the country, people, nation - cannot be lost for Europe, but the face that puts Belarus at the service of Russia is definitely worth losing." So commented in his evening video message on January 18 Vladimir Zelensky on Kiev's imposition of sanctions against Alexander Lukashenko.

The Ukrainian leader recalled that the restrictions against the Belarusan politician were imposed "for Belarus' apparently greater involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine."

- There is this political signal with sanctions. I have instructed to scrutinize all the schemes of Lukashenko and his accomplices. We will counteract more tangibly. And we will work with our partners in the region and throughout Europe, as well as with global partners, so that they fully realize what they are dealing with when it comes to the regime in Belarus. Belarus - the country, the people, the people - cannot be lost to Europe. But this face, putting Belarus in the service of Russia, is definitely worth "losing," said Vladimir Zelensky.

It became known on February 18 that Ukraine introduces sanctions against Alexander Lukashenko.

According to the decree published on the Ukrainian president's website, the sanctions against Alexander Lukashenko include blocking of assets, ban on participation in business and public procurement, restriction of entry to Ukraine, suspension of licenses and trade agreements, ban on the transfer of technology and intellectual property, as well as other restrictions.