Lukashenko also said that the conflict in Ukraine could have been avoided, and it is still possible to end it.
"It is necessary and possible [to stop the conflict]. At any moment. And now it can be stopped, and back then it could have been avoided," Lukashenko told Ukrainian reporter Diana Panchenko in an interview, adding that the US is "interested" in prolonging the conflict so it "feeds" Zelensky’s ego.
He further elaborated that Belarus will refrain from joining armed hostilities on the territory of Ukraine unless Ukrainians cross the state border, adding that at the same time, Minsk will always be helping Moscow.
The Belarusian president also denied reports that Moscow allegedly persuaded Minsk to participate in its special military operation in Ukraine.
"Fifty five countries are helping you [Ukraine], but only Belarus is helping Russia openly," Lukashenko said.
When asked about prerequisites for a potential use of nuclear weapons, Lukashenko reiterated that in the event of a military aggression, Minsk would use all its arsenal of weapons to deter the enemy.
However, Minsk would not wish for a scenario when the issue of using nuclear weapons would become urgent, Lukashenko said, adding, though, that if Ukraine and its Western allies crossed the line, Belarus would strike at their decision-making centers without warning.