Bishkek: In a recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko extended an offer to host renewed peace talks regarding the Ukraine conflict in Minsk. Lukashenko expressed Belarus' readiness to facilitate negotiations, stating, "if you wish to return to Minsk again, you know we're always ready."

According to Anadolu Agency, the meeting took place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where Lukashenko thanked Putin for attending despite his demanding schedule. He emphasized the importance of consultations between Moscow and Minsk on various critical issues. During their discussions, Lukashenko noted Belarus' ongoing dialogue with Western nations and the United States, remarking that the topic of peace talks is no longer raised by the Americans.

Lukashenko reaffirmed Belarus' alliance with Russia, stating the cooperation between the two nations is "legally justified." Meanwhile, Putin highlighted the significance of ensuring the security of the Union State, a political and economic union between Russia and Belarus, and the developments concerning peaceful resolutions to the Ukraine conflict.

Putin expressed appreciation for Belarus' initial role in facilitating contact between Moscow and Kyiv, acknowledging the positive outcomes from the early rounds of talks held on Belarusian soil. He stated, "we remember your contribution," and mentioned that the first interactions with Kyiv's authorities were supported by Belarus.

Belarus had hosted the initial negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in early 2022, before the talks moved to Trkiye and eventually stalled. The latest discussions between Lukashenko and Putin may signal a renewed effort to revive dialogue and seek peaceful solutions to the ongoing conflict.