Peacemaking without Normalization: Writing “BRICS” with the West in Mind

Lukashenka used the BRICS+ summit in Kazan not only to secure partner status for Belarus but also to demonstrate loyalty to Moscow. The dictator endorsed neutral peace initiatives by China and Brazil for Ukraine, noting that the West, witnessing Russia’s successes, seeks resolution more actively than Zelensky. He also highlighted Belarus’ role in humanitarian missions and cautioned against potential conflict escalation if NATO were involved. Normalizing relations with the West, however, is not among his priorities.

During the BRICS summit, Lukashenka gave several interviews to major media outlets (BBC, CGTN, NTV, Izvestia, VGTRK), where he detailed his stance on key international issues. Despite the summit’s theme, much of his commentary focused on relations with the West, Belarus’ place in a multipolar world, and analysis of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Lukashenka confirmed that Belarus achieved partner status in BRICS, a necessary step toward full membership. He expressed concern over the bureaucratization of the accession process for new members and emphasized the need for more proactive initiatives to align BRICS with the expectations of other countries. He noted the importance of focusing on establishing a common platform for an international payment system and trade in national currencies.

Lukashenka stressed that Belarus, like BRICS, is committed to a multipolar approach, opposing the “unipolar” world model promoted by the West. He remarked that the collective West—mainly the United States and NATO countries—has launched a campaign to undermine BRICS, viewing it as a threat to the established world order. According to Lukashenka, the West pressures countries aiming to join BRICS, threatening them with economic sanctions and restrictions on investments. He claimed that these threats compel some nations to pause their BRICS membership pursuit.

Lukashenka backed China and Brazil’s peace initiatives aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict, describing them as neutral players whose efforts align with Russian interests. He emphasized that territorial issues and cessation of hostilities should be discussed directly between Russia and Ukraine. According to Lukashenko, despite China and Brazil’s efforts, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is not inclined toward peace, instead proposing “victory plans” that do not reflect the actual situation on the ground.

Lukashenka believes that peace in Ukraine depends on the West, though he noted shifts in the U.S. and European positions, which, in his view, are now more interested in peace than Zelensky himself. He attributes this to Western politicians recognizing Russia’s incremental successes on the battlefield and the potential collapse of Ukraine, which would harm the collective West’s reputation.

He stated that Belarus actively participates in humanitarian missions involving the exchange of bodies and prisoners between Russia and Ukraine. Lukashenka emphasized that these exchanges occur on Belarusian territory with the participation of Belarusian authorities, affirming Minsk’s willingness to support this process if both sides wish. This role, he said, underscores Belarus’ readiness to act as a mediator and build trust between conflicting parties.

The Belarusian leader also voiced concerns that rumors about the involvement of third countries could provoke NATO troops to enter Ukraine. He believes the West could use such pretexts to intervene, which, in his view, would lead to severe conflict escalation.

Lukashenka revealed that he allegedly held confidential talks with representatives from Western countries, discussing, among other topics, the Middle East conflict and Western arms supplies to Ukraine. He emphasized that Belarus has never sought to sever relations with the West and blamed Western countries for imposing sanctions, which he described as politically motivated accusations.

Nevertheless, the dictator dismissed any connection between recent political prisoner amnesties and a desire to normalize relations with the West. Lukashenka stressed that he considers amnesty for individuals who “have reformed” and acknowledged their guilt, disregarding Western perspectives in this matter. However, he considers singling out certain opposition leaders, such as Maria Kalesnikova, unjustified, stressing that each pardon request will be assessed individually, without regard to the West’s stance.

Finally, in response to questions about the upcoming elections in Belarus, Lukashenka expressed his readiness to counter possible Western provocations and interference. He cited the events of 2020, noting that the West allegedly attempted to organize a “color revolution” in the country. He warned that Belarus would not allow similar actions in the future and would take preventive measures.

Thus, Lukashenka used his participation in the BRICS summit in Kazan to affirm his allegiance to Russia in its confrontation with Ukraine and the West, while indirectly voicing concerns about conflict escalation in 2025. He made it clear that he is uninterested in normalizing relations with the West.