Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed a conversation with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko during the first days of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Speaking on January 5 in an interview with U.S. podcaster Lex Fridman, Zelenskyy shared that Lukashenko apologized for missile strikes launched from Belarusian territory on Ukraine, claiming he was not in control of the situation.
"It Was Not Me, It Was Putin"
Zelenskyy recounted a phone call where Lukashenko expressed regret for the missile launches.
“A few days after the first missile strikes, I spoke with Lukashenko,” Zelenskyy said. “He apologized, saying, ‘It was not me; missiles were launched from my territory, but Putin was the one launching them.’ These are his words. I have witnesses.”
Lukashenko reportedly emphasized his lack of agency, repeating to Zelenskyy, “I am not in charge. These are just missiles—this is Putin.”
An Offer to Retaliate
Lukashenko suggested Ukraine could retaliate against Belarusian infrastructure.
“He told me, ‘Alright, retaliate then. Hit the Mozyr Oil Refinery—you know how much I care about it,’” Zelenskyy revealed. Located near the Ukrainian border, the Mozyr refinery is one of Belarus’s most critical economic assets, processing Russian oil.
Zelenskyy described being stunned by Lukashenko’s offer. “I told him, ‘What are you on about? What retaliation?’ It was unbelievable.
He even added, ‘Forgive me, Volodya.’”
While Belarusian territory has been used as a launching ground for Russian military operations, including missile strikes and troop deployments, Lukashenko has repeatedly sought to distance himself from direct responsibility, portraying himself as a leader under duress from Moscow.
During the interview, Zelenskyy reiterated his views on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s disregard for human life, accusing him of sending his own people to die in wars of aggression.
