Lukashenko Claims Putin Was Deceived by Vatican and Jewish Lobby, Prolonging Ukraine Conflict

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has asserted that the Ukraine war did not end in a swift Russian victory because President Vladimir Putin was misled by certain political forces, identifying the Vatican and the Jewish lobby as key actors. In an interview with Al-Arabiya, Lukashenko claimed that early in the conflict, when Russian forces were positioned near Kyiv, Putin was persuaded to halt the advance and withdraw troops in hopes of a peace settlement, a decision that ultimately prolonged the fighting. He argued that if the Russian military had continued its offensive, Ukraine's leadership would have collapsed and the war would have concluded rapidly.

Lukashenko elaborated that the Vatican and what he termed the Jewish lobby, acting on behalf of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, promised peace negotiations but instead deceived Putin. He suggested that these forces manipulated the situation, leading to a stalled conflict rather than a quick resolution. The Belarusian leader's remarks, reported by BelTA and Interfax, reflect a narrative that external actors deliberately undermined Russia's initial military advantage.

The statements come amid ongoing tensions between Minsk and the West, with Lukashenko consistently aligning with Moscow. His allegations have drawn criticism for their anti-Semitic overtones and unsubstantiated claims about the Vatican's role. The comments are likely to further strain diplomatic relations and fuel debate over the war's origins and conduct. No official response from the Vatican or Israeli representatives has been reported at this time.