Lukashenko will not give up the “Wagnerites” to Ukraine until he has had enough of playing with Putin – Malomuzh
Belarus must hand over the Wagner soldiers to Ukraine in accordance with interstate agreements, but President Alexander Lukashenko will not do this, since he expects to use them for bargaining with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The former head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, Nikolai Malomuzh, said this on Radio Liberty, a PolitNavigator correspondent reports.
“We have a corresponding agreement with Belarus, and Belarus must extradite citizens of Ukraine who have committed crimes on the territory of Ukraine. Although they have Russian citizenship, we are doing the right thing politically and legally. But Lukashenko, of course, will not take this step.
He is playing on this for now - what he will give to Ukraine so that Putin makes some concessions and supports Lukashenko. Because this is another trump card in Lukashenko’s hands - it is Putin who should turn to him with a request, support him in this situation, and he will deign to promise that after the elections he will return them to Russia.
Therefore, for Ukraine and for its president, this is really a win, and he is promoting this topic. But, of course, there are big doubts about returning 6 or, even more so, 33 Wagnerites to our country.
For Lukashenko, this is a position to gain time and bargain. But the bargaining is not with Zelensky, but primarily with Putin. And this is the most important component, since he is dependent not only economically, but also politically. And some Belarusians, of course, are focused on Russia. Some also go to Ukraine, but a smaller part.
Therefore, in order not to quarrel with Ukraine, he can vaguely promise, but, on the other hand, set conditions for Putin that we will return it, but you must support me in this situation,” Malomuzh believes.
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