The interviewer was RT host and presenter of the Sanchez Effect program Richard (Rick) Sanchez. The interview lasted for nearly two hours.

Among the topics discussed were the preparation of a major deal between Belarus and the United States, its possible terms, the United States’ unique path to resuming cooperation with Russia, via Belarus, as well as the possibility of a meeting between Aleksandr Lukashenko and Donald Trump.

Also discussed was the geopolitical situation in the world, the situation in individual countries, including the conflict in the Middle East. The Belarusian president spoke about what the war between the United States and Israel against Iran has shown the entire world.

The questions also covered Belarus’ relations with EU countries, particularly its neighbors, as well as Aleksandr Lukashenko’s friendly ties with world leaders, despite the «wishes» of certain Western politicians.

Matters on Belarus’ domestic agenda were also touched upon: ensuring security and the role of nuclear weapons, as well as the country’s system of governance. Aleksandr Lukashenko answered questions about who he answers to and what he envisions for Belarus’ future.

Lukashenko uses real-life example to compare Belarusian «dictatorship’ with U. S. ‘democracy’

During the conversation, RT journalist Rick Sanchez noted that the Western perception is that Belarus has a dictatorship, while the United States is presented as a model of democracy. However, despite the fact that a new person comes to power in the USA every four years, the political situation in the country does not change. At the same time, Belarus has seen consistent and progressive development for more than 30 years, and the head of state enjoys the support of the people.

In this context, the journalist asked a logical question: does democracy really exist in the USA, and dictatorship in Belarus?

«You talk about some kind of democracy, about human rights... It’s all talk. Your policy in Venezuela, threats to Cuba, the war in the Middle East and other things show that you are real dictators. You are no democrats,» Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The president cited a concrete example to back up his point. He recalled that on the first day of the U. S. and Israeli attack on Iran, a girls’ school was hit. As a result, about 200 people were killed, mostly children.

Superpower, not super force. Lukashenko about USA, Trump’s special role

Addressing the president, the journalist figuratively described him as one of the leaders of the «movement for a bright future for the whole world». After all, led by Aleksandr Lukashenko, Belarus pursues a peace-loving foreign policy and insists on the peaceful resolution of conflicts. In furtherance of the idea the head of state was asked whether in the foreseeable future there may be a situation in which all countries will not confront each other but will stand shoulder to shoulder to ensure a bright future for everyone.

«God willing, that time will come,» the president said. «Given the current situation, it is difficult for me to believe that such a time will come.»

In this context the head of state drew attention to the special role of U. S. President Donald Trump. «Despite certain foolish actions, despite some impulsiveness Trump has done a great deal for this for the arrival of the universal peaceful time in the future. Trump has shown the whole world that your United States of America is not all-powerful,» Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized.

«In terms of power the USA is a superpower, but not a super force,» he added. According to the president, the correctness of this statement was demonstrated by events in the Middle East: by the reckless scheme in Iran.

Lukashenko explains why Orban lost the election in Hungary

The head of state noted that the opposition party Tisza, led by Peter Magyar, secured two-thirds of the seats in parliament. In this regard, the Belarusian leader shared his perspective on why Viktor Orban suffered such a decisive defeat in the parliamentary vote.

«I would advise not to rush into judging Hungarian politics or Orban’s policies. He is a pragmatist, a realist... At least that’s what I hear from the media. But why did Orban lose? That means there were serious flaws in his policies, especially in domestic policy,» Aleksandr Lukashenko believes. «After all, real people inside the country were voting. And one cannot say they were mistaken, because the margin is very large. That means the opposition, led by Magyar, put forward a clear and attractive position. Probably, they ^[Viktor Orban’s Fidesz party^] talked a lot, but did not deliver on everything inside the country. The opposition capitalized on that.»

The Belarusian leader added that the Tisza Party cannot be fully considered opposition. This is because its leader, Peter Magyar, was a long-time member of Fidesz, the party headed by Viktor Orban. «As far as I know, he Peter Magyar once worked with Orban and started out together with him. Therefore, much of what is happening was shaped within the party Magyar and Orban both belonged to,» he added.

Lukashenko: Belarus’ dialogue with Americans is not against Russia or China

The head of state commented on the Belarusian-American talks, several rounds of which had taken place in Minsk. The Belarusian leader pointed out that in Russia, among other countries, he is sometimes criticized for having the dialogue with Washington. However, this dialogue is not conducted against Minsk’s closest allies — Moscow and Beijing — a point Aleksandr Lukashenko has made more than once. Apart from that, it was Russia and China that helped out Belarus when the West imposed sanctions against the republic.

«If anyone in Russia reproaches me for negotiating with Americans, I can ask them a question: aren’t you holding dialogue with Americans yourselves? You are. But I am holding dialogue with Americans not against Russia and not against China,» Aleksandr Lukashenko said. «At the first meeting I told them: guys, Russia and China are not just our long-standing partners, they are friends. And when you, Americans and Europeans, were introducing sanctions against us, China and Russia opened a door for us. Thanks to that we were practically saved. Why should I conduct any dialogue or any policy against them today?»

The president emphasized that Belarus and Russia have signed the tightest treaty — the Treaty on the Establishment of the Union State of Belarus and Russia — which defines relations between the two countries. «We are trying to build a kind of a union state, walking as if on thin ice, we are trying to do something. Did Americans and the West not know that? They did! And I religiously honor this treaty,» he added.

Lukashenko about Belarus’ multi-vector policy: Our interest stems from life

The president noted that Belarus’ multi-vector policy is dictated by its export-oriented economy. He drew attention to the fact that more than half of the goods and services produced in Belarus are exported. Consequently, Minsk needs markets for its products.

«As for the multi-vector policy, it stems from the economy. We sell more than half of the goods and services we produce on foreign markets,» said Aleksandr Lukashenko. «We have an open economy, this is why we are forced to pursue our interests in the West, in Russia, in China, and in Africa. Wherever everyone is moving — both Russia and Americans.»

«This is our interest in order to live, as I have said recently. Not survive, but live. This is our interest. It stems from life itself. What can you reproach us for? Nothing,» the head of state concluded.

Lukashenko speaks about timeservers in power, envy in politics

During the conversation the journalist Rick Sanchez noted the high level of support from the general public that the Belarusian president enjoys. In his words, surveys conducted by Belarusian sociologists indicate that Aleksandr Lukashenko enjoys support from 78% of the country’s population. A similar figure — about 70% — is also provided by Western sociological studies. «Some Western leaders like Trump, Macron, Starmer — all of them combined probably do not have such support from their own populations and can only dream of having that much support,» the interviewer said. «Is it possible that they call you a dictator and treat you that way precisely because they envy those numbers?»

«There is definitely some envy among politicians towards each other. That is true,» the head of state said. «You are absolutely right, I often think about that myself. May God grant not 78%, not 80%, but at least 60% of popular support to some Western politician.»

Lukashenko sets terms for potential Trump meeting, sealing ‘big deal’

The RT journalist pointed out that there had been talk earlier about Aleksandr Lukashenko’s possible trip to the USA, and asked if he was planning one. The Belarusian leader replied that he is prepared to meet the White House chief once certain matters are settled.

The conversation also touched on the «big deal», which, according to the Belarusian president, has been discussed since the very beginning of negotiations between Minsk and Washington. However, there are certain issues that the parties still need to work out.

«The Americans need to understand, and many in Europe already do, that sanctions haven’t served their purpose. We’ve adapted. So political prisoners, sanctions... Look, that’s small stuff,» said Aleksandr Lukashenko. «We have much bigger issues that need to be resolved. And that is the subject of a big deal. As soon as we prepare this at a lower level, we are ready to meet with Donald and sign this agreement.»

Lukashenko sees potential for Trump to mend ties with Russia through Belarus

The interview touched upon Belarusian-U. S. talks. The RT journalist asked whether it was possible that Donald Trump’s ultimate goal was to strike a deal with Moscow. In other words, could the positive momentum in Belarusian-U. S. talks be extended to USA-Russia dialogue? 

«I don’t know, but I would be glad if Donald Trump ultimately saw much more behind our conversations and talks. So, I think this is entirely possible,» the Belarusian leader said. «Perhaps he is sounding out Belarus’ stance and projecting it onto Russia. That would be normal and sensible. At any rate, we will do everything to make that happen.»

Lukashenko says USA does not seek war with Belarus

The RT journalist, during a conversation with the head of state, drew attention to events unfolding in the Middle East, primarily the U. S. and Israeli attack on Iran. The journalist noted that tactical nuclear weapons are stationed in Belarus and asked whether the country feels more protected in a situation where the USA and Israel are demonstrating aggression.

«I don’t think the Americans have war against Belarus as their goal. Here it’s quite the opposite, based on the contacts I have with people close to Trump, not just politicians, but people close to Trump,» Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized. «I understand that even if the Americans wanted to fight us, God forbid, they would be fighting from the territories of the Baltic states, Poland, and so on.»

Lukashenko describes nuclear weapons as factor of Belarus’ defense and security

«What do you think I brought this tactical weapon here to rattle the entire world? To intimidate someone? No. It is about our protection, our security,» Aleksandr Lukashenko declared.

The Belarusian leader also stressed that Russia’s capabilities complement Belarus’ own defense capabilities, considering that Minsk and Moscow are the closest allies. «On top of that, add everything the Russian Federation possesses. We are their closest allies. Losing Belarus today is simply unacceptable for Russia. As we used to say in the old days: that would mean the enemy would be standing at Smolensk, at the gates of Moscow ^[if Russia were to lose Belarus^]. That is unacceptable for Russia,» he stressed.

Lukashenko: Losing Belarus is unacceptable for Russia, we are closest allies

«We are their closest allies. Losing Belarus today is unacceptable for Russia. As we used to say back in the day: that would mean the enemy would be standing in Smolensk, near Moscow, should Russia lose Belarus. That is unacceptable for Russia,» Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The head of state added that Belarus and Russia are legally tied, and if aggression occurs against Belarus, Russia will deploy its capabilities to defend its ally. «We are legally bound to each other, and Russia has openly stated that it will use its entire arsenal of weapons to protect Belarus. The whole world knows this. The USA knows it, and Europe knows it. Therefore, a confrontation with Belarus is a confrontation with Belarus and Russia,» the Belarusian leader said. 

Land of opportunity for all: Lukashenko outlines vision for Belarus’ future

One of the questions addressed to the head of state was what would happen to Belarus after Lukashenko and what the future of the country looks like in his view.

«This is a very important question for me,» the president said. «I have done a lot to make Belarus what it is. It is a peaceful, calm country.»

«Of course, I am thinking about how to preserve it and make sure it remains a land of opportunity for everyone. So that everyone can fulfill their potential here,» the head of state continued. According to him, Belarus has succeeded in this regard. «We have done it. People live a peaceful life here. They bring up their children and get an education under equal conditions,» the Belarusian leader noted.

Lukashenko answers question of who will run the country after him

During the conversation, the journalist raised questions that, he said, are being asked in the West: does everyone in Belarus have the opportunity to aspire to become the country’s next leader, or are such attempts punished? «And what will happen to Belarus after Lukashenko?» he specified.

«Only foolish people in the West could think like that,» the president said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized that the only ones who will decide who runs the country are the Belarusian people. «However they decide, so it will be. I remember when I was first elected. That was the decision of the Belarusian people. And I received 80.3% of the vote at the time,» he said. «The people stood behind me like a wall. The percentages were high.»

Lukashenko: Fight for justice will always be the foundation of my policy

At the beginning of the conversation, RT host Rick Sanchez noted that the West is well aware of Aleksandr Lukashenko’s tough stance on corruption, which is even referred to as the professional ethos of the Belarusian leader. The journalist asked what lies behind this conviction. 

The president said that he grew up in a poor family and saw a great deal of injustice in his life. «This principle of justice comes from there. From seeing that injustice. That’s why I decided once and for all that the fight for justice would be the foundation of my policy,» he said. 

Lukashenko considering state governance reform in Belarus

«We need to seriously reconsider how we govern the country. Perhaps even carry out a reform of state governance, using the experience of the old system, which the Westerners, especially Americans, advised us to fight against,» the Belarusian leader said.

He recalled how back in the days of the Soviet Union «well-wishers» from the West incited people to fight against the leading and guiding role of the Communist Party, which was enshrined in the Constitution. And later, after the collapse of the Union, the same people gave plenty of advice and suggestions on how to build life going forward. «But, as it has turned out today, all of that was lies, Western lies,» the president said.

«The Westerners recommended above all a multiparty system, then pluralism of thought, and so on, and so forth. They gave us recommendations, and we followed them. Out in front was, of course, Russia, with ^[First Russian President Boris^] Yeltsin at its helm. Then everyone else followed. The cult of money and prosperity was planted right into our brains. Many people, having lost their way, snatched up the most tempting pieces for themselves to become well-off, rich, and so on,» Aleksandr Lukashenko said. «What did this lead to? You know this, especially from the example of Russia. Those who could, those who were closer to power, took oil and gas enterprises, became significantly wealthy.»

Lukashenko: Belarus has real chances to live better than today

The head of state noted that despite all the difficulties and attempts by external parties to harm Belarus, including through sanctions and other restrictions, the country lives and develops. «It is very dangerous for a president to say we are doing well, because there is plenty of both good and bad. But I always tell my people: we live as well as we deserve. We have real opportunities to live better and even to live well. But that depends on each individual. My task, and the task of the state, is to create opportunities for a normal, honest, and fair life,» 

Lukashenko stresses the importance of EU independence for global stability

The head of state spoke critically about the behavior and decisions of many leaders of EU countries who pursue mindless policies. «They do not think ahead. To this day, they have relied mostly on the USA, thinking that it would come and solve all their problems. But Trump showed them that your problems are yours. They have nothing to do with the USA. He distanced himself from the European Union, from Europe, even from NATO,» Aleksandr Lukashenko said. 

Lukashenko: I’m not an emperor like Trump or Putin to expect universal love

The journalist noted that some leaders, while in power, very much want to be loved by society and at the same time are sensitive to negative comments made about them. He asked how the president feels about being called a dictator in EU countries and in the West.

«I was never chasing universal love, and I’m even further from that now. I am not an emperor, like Donald Trump or Vladimir Putin. They can afford to think about being loved. I do not have the same capabilities that they do. Hence my calm attitude toward love. Especially after so many years as president,» the Belarusian leader said.