Lukashenko invites Ukrainians to Belarus: Come, we will welcome you

Belarus is ready to welcome additional migrants from Ukraine, according to President Alexander Lukashenko’s statement on November 6 in Mozyr during the opening ceremony of the renovated bridge over the Pripyat River. The Belarusian leader reminded that Ukraine is very close, initially even rejecting the idea of visiting the Mozyr district. ‘I think, well, with the war in Ukraine, should I be happy here and visit the president… Clearly, how that might sound. But, I think Ukrainians will forgive me. We connect the shores, including for them,’ he said. Lukashenko emphasized that ‘we are open.’ ‘Please come, Ukrainians. We will welcome you with pleasure. We will provide your families and children with a life similar to that of Belarusians in terms of education and healthcare,’ invited the President of Belarus. He also noted that many Ukrainian migrants already work in the Gomel region. ‘We are ready to welcome them. Ukrainians are a blessing for us. They are hardworking people who understand us, speak our language… However, trouble has come to our neighbor’s house. I think we will solve this problem,’ he stressed. Belarus is not participating in the conflict in Ukraine but supports Moscow’s actions. At the same time, Minsk emphasizes its readiness to receive those Ukrainians fleeing from the military actions on its territory.