This statement is caused by the dramatic situation associated with the abduction of a Ukrainian citizen in Belarus, political scientist Vladimir Fesenko writes on the NW portal. This is a somewhat emotional statement, but it is in many ways close to reality. It's no secret that everyone who follows the Ukrainian-Belarusian relations knows this, it is Lukashenka's dual attitude towards Ukraine. He maneuvers. Somewhere it is going to meet Ukraine, some of which are important for us even in a symbolic sense. For example, he spoke in support of Ukraine, recognizing the new Ukrainian authorities. In addition, we manage to solve a number of complex issues in the economic sphere. This is important from the point of view of breaking the isolation in the post-Soviet space that Russia wanted to organize against Ukraine. That is, all the countries that are allied with Ukraine, she would like to include in some kind of anti-Ukrainian coalition. Including, to arrange an economic blockade of Ukraine. And one of the tasks of our state is to prevent such a broad economic blockade from the post-Soviet countries. That is why the contacts with Belarus and Kazakhstan are developing actively, and I think that this is absolutely correct policy. That is, one must be realistic: Lukashenka is not an ally for us, and not a friend. From it may come the risks. Because, unlike us, Russia is an ally for him. Very difficult, dangerous, because after the known exercises, "green men" may appear in Belarus, and Lukashenka understands this perfectly, that maneuvers. To expect that he will act in the Ukrainian interests and everything to go to us for a meeting would be naive. But it would be a mistake to become in a pose, to break all relations. You have to be flexible, do not increase the number of enemies. In the context of this situation, proposals have also begun to be made to abandon the services of Belarus as a country in which negotiations are taking place, but this is a mistake.

Minsk has access to representatives of the separatist republics. And what is the alternative? Astana? But is there a difference? Minsk is at least closer. Refusal to work in Minsk is a logic that comes from emotions. Belarus is not an intermediary, they are Germany and France. And Belarus only provides a platform. Therefore, it would be a mistake to sever relations with Minsk - one must be pragmatists, and not act on the principle "all who are not with us, they are against us".