Lukashenko: Ukrainians, not Trump, will decide who leads Ukraine

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said the Ukrainian people will decide who becomes Ukraine’s president and that U.S. President Donald Trump should not dictate to Kyiv, though he agreed with Trump that promises must be kept.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Oct. 16 answered reporters’ questions in the Verkhnedvinsk district, where he was asked whether peace in Ukraine is achievable under its current president, in light of Donald Trump’s recent remarks about the need to replace Volodymyr Zelensky.

“Who will be president in Ukraine will be decided by the Ukrainian people,” Lukashenko said. Trump is right on one point, he added: “If you promised, you have to keep your promises.” He recalled that Zelensky had once promised to serve only one term as head of state.

U.S. President Donald Trump (file photo)

“Trump should not dictate”

Lukashenko stressed, however, that Trump should not dictate what Ukraine should do. “Why is he dictating? Because Zelensky has become dependent on the United States and on Trump himself,” he said, adding that Ukraine should not become dependent on major powers.

Lukashenko has previously said he believes peace in Ukraine will be achieved “if not this year, then next year.”