Lukashenko: it's not Trump's decision who should be Ukraine's president

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko commented on Donald Trump's escalating criticism of Ukrainian President Zelensky, saying the decision about who should be Ukraine's president belongs to the Ukrainian people, not to the US president.

The statement is notable given Lukashenko's close alignment with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is in open conflict with Zelensky. While appearing to defend Ukraine's sovereignty, the remark may also reflect Lukashenko's interest in appearing diplomatically independent.

Trump has repeatedly questioned Zelensky's leadership and suggested a peace deal might only be possible under different Ukrainian leadership. Lukashenko's pushback adds an unexpected dimension to the debate over Ukraine's political future.