Minsk: Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who has served in the position since 1994, pledged on Friday not to seek another term. In an interview with Time magazine, clips of which were aired on Belarusian state First TV, Lukashenko claimed that even in the last election in 2020, he was also ready to step down but changed his mind when the public said giving up his post would be a kind of betrayal.

According to Anadolu Agency, Lukashenko stated, "Honestly speaking, for the second time in my life, I was already prepared to step down during the previous elections, knowing that people would undoubtedly support me and so on," adding that the public's perception of him stepping down as an act of betrayal led him to continue in office. Lukashenko also dismissed any plans for his son Nikolai to succeed him, emphasizing that Nikolai has "somewhat oppositional views within limits," although he supports his father's actions.

Lukashenko expressed hope that his successor would be a "reasonable, normal person," capable of building upon the existing framework without resorting to revolutionary upheaval. He also touched upon the geopolitical tensions in the region, specifically the conflict in Ukraine, asserting that Russia's defeat in Ukraine would be disastrous due to its nuclear arsenal. He advocated for negotiations and offered to facilitate discussions between Russian and Ukrainian leaders in Belarus.

Assumptions about Russia attacking Poland and the Baltic states were dismissed by Lukashenko as "complete nonsense." He reiterated Belarus' security stance of preparing for war to avoid one, highlighting the country's readiness to inflict significant damage if attacked. He also noted the support from Russia as an ally and mentioned the anticipated delivery of the advanced Russian "Oreshnik" missile complex, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, to Belarus.

Lukashenko's comments also touched upon international relations, particularly with China, describing his rapport with Chinese leader Xi Jinping as "very solid and almost familial."