Lukashenko: Kiev Authorities to Blame for Crimea's Leaving Ukraine for Russia
Kiev authorities pushed Crimea to secede from Ukraine and rejoin Russia, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko told Russian reporters Friday. ● "Look at yourself for the cause rather than Russia. You [Kiev] yourself pushed Crimea to join Russia," the Belarus president said. One of the reasons why Crimea made the move to secede from Ukraine was the situation in which "the sword of the Ukrainian revolution was pointed at the Russian-speaking population," according to Lukashenko. Belarus does not believe that Russia wants to annex Ukraine's eastern regions of Luhansk and Donetsk, the president added. "Statements are being made about Russia wanting to grab eastern Ukraine as well. Oh, come on! I don't believe it," Lukashenko said. [...] Crimea reunified with Russia in March following a referendum on the region's status, with 96 percent of the voters being in favor of the move. Kiev has refused to recognize the results of the vote, calling it illegal. Russian President Vladimir Putin in a speech following the referendum stressed that it was held in full compliance with democratic procedures and international laws.