On May 21, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko asserted that Belarus would not be drawn into the ongoing Ukraine war unless there is direct aggression against its territory. In a statement reported by the Belarusian state news agency BELTA, he affirmed that Belarus and Russia would defend themselves together if necessary. Lukashenko's comments came during joint nuclear exercises with Russia, which he observed via video conference alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin. He also expressed a willingness to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who has warned of increased Belarusian involvement in the conflict. Zelenskiy discussed enhancing defenses in northern Ukraine, citing unusual military activity near the Belarus border. Furthermore, Lukashenko highlighted that Western sanctions against Belarus stem from its cooperation with Russia during the invasion and suggested that European leaders may be influencing Zelenskiy's statements due to concerns over improving U.S.-Belarus relations. The U.S. has engaged in dialogue with Belarus, resulting in the release of political prisoners, indicating a possible shift in diplomatic relations.