Lukashenko: Ukraine and Georgia will eventually cooperate with CIS and Eurasian Economic Union

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko expressed confidence that, over time, both Ukraine and Georgia will collaborate with the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

In an interview with TV channel Mir 24, Lukashenko stated that despite Western sanctions, some former Soviet republics have grown even closer to the Eurasian Economic Union.

“We still speak the same language — Russian. That’s a beautiful thing. We don’t need translators. Farmers can communicate, workers can connect, and the intelligentsia, too. I’m not even talking about the countries’ leaders. We share a lot in terms of culture. Even if it’s not a common culture, we are still familiar with one another’s traditions,” Lukashenko said.

He emphasized that the EAEU must focus on developing its own potential and expanding into new markets.

“We need to unite. This can be done within the EAEU framework and, to some extent, within the CIS, where we maintain a free trade zone. Of course, we regret losing the Baltic states, but the situation in Ukraine is even more disappointing. Ukrainians tried to join NATO and the EU, but eventually, wise leaders will emerge who won’t seek separation from our union. I believe Ukraine will return,” Lukashenko said.

Referring to Georgia, he added: “Look at what happened with Georgia. Today, they’re not just exporting wine to our market — they’re also selling other products that no one else wanted. Neither the EU nor the US bought them — they have enough of their own. So, where did Georgia turn? To us, to Russia… But we had already been cooperating with Georgia. That’s the same path Ukraine will follow. The only question is — do we really need to go through all this hardship? No. Experience tells us there are easier ways for Ukraine to return to us.”