Lukashenko says Belarus does not want war

On 15 August 2026, Lukashenko made a series of public remarks in Belarus, among them on whether Belarus wants to go to war. He named the guarantee of calm in Belarus as working and strengthening the country while everything around is ablaze. He described his presidential credo as speaking openly with the people and doing everything for their good. He also called India an important and reliable partner, spoke of cooperation with Ethiopia, and suggested thinking about irrigating fields, since Belarus has many rivers but suffers from a lack of rain. He also said he intends to realize the idea of a blooming garden near Minsk.