Zelenskyy Claims Lukashenko Apologized for Invasion

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed in a recent interview that Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko apologized for Belarus's role in allowing Russian missile strikes during the early days of the invasion. Zelenskyy recounted a phone conversation where Lukashenko suggested Ukraine retaliate by striking a Belarusian oil refinery. However, Lukashenko's spokesperson, Natalia Eismont, denied that any apology was made, asserting that Lukashenko instead blamed Zelenskyy for the conflict. Eismont revealed that the call was facilitated by Lukashenko's son, who had Zelenskyy's contact information. The Belarusian leader has been a close ally of Putin and has hosted Russian military resources, further complicating the geopolitical landscape. Despite the conflicting narratives, both leaders acknowledge that a conversation occurred shortly after the invasion began.