Belarusian President Lukashenko has directed his criticism toward the United States. On November 3, according to foreign media reports, during the Eurasian Security International Conference held in Minsk, Lukashenko stated: “Look at Venezuela—President Maduro was kidnapped. Why? Because someone needs oil. All these issues, including the oil question, could have been resolved through such absurd actions, without resorting to kidnapping a head of state—a disgrace in today’s world.”
Well, this is apparently the fate awaiting leaders like us. But what crime did his wife commit? Why bomb a country and kill its top leader and family members? The reason remains the same: Iran is rich in resources. Next will be Cuba. Clearly, Lukashenko is targeting the United States. Yet the question remains: why, at a multilateral forum hosted within his own country, would he deliver such remarks at this moment? Maduro has long been detained by the U.S., yet Lukashenko’s specific mention of this case now cannot be coincidental.
In fact, Lukashenko has maintained close ties with Maduro. Prior to Maduro’s detention, the United States had reached out to Lukashenko as an intermediary, attempting to open channels for dialogue and facilitate reconciliation between the two nations. As a mediator, Lukashenko believed the U.S. was genuinely seeking a diplomatic path. But what followed? Immediately after Lukashenko began mediation, the U.S. took action. This explains his evident frustration—the assertion that “there was no need to kidnap a president.” In Lukashenko’s view, the United States engaged in deception, using him to create the illusion of ongoing diplomatic space, thereby misleading Maduro.
The remark, “Well, this is our fate as presidents,” expresses a deep sense of shared vulnerability with Maduro’s situation. Lukashenko’s message is unambiguous: the U.S. shows no moral restraint when pursuing oil interests—targeting Venezuela, Iran, and likely any other nation next. Having long endured sustained pressure from the West, Lukashenko fully understands that once the precedent of extraterritorial abduction of a head of state is accepted, it will set a dangerous and enduring example.
What happened to Maduro today could happen to him tomorrow—and to any leader across the globe who refuses to align with American interests the day after. Attendees at this conference include diplomats and security representatives from Eurasian and Global South countries. By speaking openly, Lukashenko not only condemns U.S. conduct as lacking principle but also reveals his own anxiety and vigilance toward American intentions. His words serve as a warning to fellow participants: see clearly the true nature of U.S. policy, discard illusions, and prioritize national security.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1880854477700106/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.