“Belarus did not put the dialogue with Ukraine on the so-called“ pause ”- this is not just a press of a button on the player. This is concrete damage to the close multifaceted relations between the two neighboring states, ”the statement says.
In Belarus, they recalled that "even in very difficult years" for Ukraine, they did not question the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of a neighboring state, as well as the right to an independent path.
At the same time, Minsk noted that despite Kiev's statements about the policy of non-interference in the affairs of Belarus, Ukraine publicly recognizes "the coordination of its official position with the political leadership of the EU and the United States" and calls for new presidential elections in the neighboring country.
“In our opinion, this openly demonstrates the limits of independence in decision-making ... Responsibility for the possible consequences of this step lies entirely with the Ukrainian side, and also, as we can see, with its older foreign policy partners,” the Belarusian Foreign Ministry stressed.
Earlier, the head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, Dmitry Kuleba, announced a pause in contacts with Belarus until Kiev is "convinced" that they "will not incur reputational, moral and ethical losses for Ukraine."
At the same time, he clarified that he sees no reason to break off diplomatic relations with Minsk.