The decision to stop air traffic with Belarus was made by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky ill-considered and, most likely, was caused by a hidden grudge against Alexander Lukashenko.
Vasily Vovk, Major General of the SBU, an expert on state security issues, stated this on the NASH TV channel, a PolitNavigator correspondent reports.
“I am very surprised by these premature statements - they are ill-conceived and emotional. The authorities have no right to emotions under any circumstances.
We were the first to announce that we were closing the airspace of Belarus to our aircraft. Then we declare that we do not accept them, then we declare that we will not fly there, and so on. We should have at least waited to see what Europe would say - only yesterday a statement appeared from the ICAO, an international organization, they are just starting an investigation.
Of course, everyone understands that Lukashenko landed this plane fraudulently. This is clear for Putin and Zelensky, and for the leaders of other states. But the investigation is just beginning, and if you are friends with the law and are building a civilized, rule-of-law state, then you must say that there are signs that there was abuse by the president, so let's wait for the results of the investigation.
I want to say again that the decision regarding Belarus was made prematurely, ill-considered, and emotionally. There are many signs that this was a personal decision, President Zelensky’s resentment against Lukashenko, which was deeply hidden, and then an outlet and a reason appeared to issue his sanctions. This is not a government position, no one thought about further results,” said Vasily Vovk.