Zelenskyy claimed that Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko apologized for Belarus's role early in the war, though Lukashenko's spokesperson denied any apology occurred. Zelenskyy also said Lukashenko stated that Belarus will not join Russia's war against Ukraine, citing military vulnerability and the unacceptable risk of NATO escalation. Belarus has not been a direct party to the conflict. Lukashenko remains one of Putin's closest allies but appears to be signaling Belarus's desire to stay out of the four-year conflict. Lukashenko also called for both sides to compromise to end the war, though his exact role as a potential mediator remains unclear given his close alignment with Moscow.