The outcome is clear: Ukraine's Foreign Ministry reacts to the elections in Belarus.

The statement from the spokesperson of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, Georgiy Tikhiy, was published on the official website on Thursday, January 23.

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry's Reaction to the Elections in Belarus

Tikhiy noted that the voting in Belarus could only be referred to as presidential elections if there were grounds to do so. He added that there was nothing unexpected about the results, which are already well-known in advance.

"It is clear to us that Alexander Lukashenko will continue to be an ally and accomplice of Putin in his war against Ukraine, which is occurring against the interests of the Belarusian people," the Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated.

Tikhiy emphasized that Ukraine stands in solidarity with the positions of EU member states, the USA, Canada, the UK, and other democratic countries regarding the lack of conditions for fair elections in Belarus. He also mentioned that Ukraine currently sees no prerequisites for resuming contacts with Lukashenko.

"Therefore, the question of recognizing his legitimacy after the official results are announced is not relevant for us," the Foreign Ministry added.

Tikhiy also pointed out that many Belarusians will be unable to vote as they are abroad. Some have been forced to leave their homeland due to political persecution by Lukashenko's regime.

"They cannot return because they would be arrested or detained. There is such a threat; they cannot come back. Thus, this significantly affects the results of any voting. I think it is unnecessary to repeat this," the statement reads.

It is worth noting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that elections in Ukraine will take place after the war concludes. He explained that this is required by current legislation.

Polish President Andrzej Duda accused Volodymyr Zelensky of interfering in elections. He urged the Ukrainian leader to refrain from publicly criticizing Polish politicians.