Lukashenko reveals Vatican and Israel's secret role in Russia's Kyiv retreat

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has claimed that Russian troops had already advanced towards Kyiv before their withdrawal in early 2022. He stated that intermediaries from the Vatican and Israel convinced Vladimir Putin to pull forces back to ease tensions. Russian troops launched an offensive toward Kyiv in February 2022 but failed to capture the Ukrainian capital. By early April, units had withdrawn from the Kyiv, Chernihiv, and Sumy regions, ending Moscow’s push into northern Ukraine.

According to Lukashenko, Putin agreed to the withdrawal to 'restore peace' after intermediaries assured Moscow that Kyiv was ready for talks. He added that Russian commanders believed the offensive could have succeeded if it had continued. Lukashenko also argued that Putin later felt the assurances did not bring a resolution.

The Belarusian president further claimed that Belarus avoided joining the war because it would have brought more harm than good. He cited military vulnerability and the risk of opening a new front as key reasons. Lukashenko also apologised to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for some of his past remarks. Russian forces abandoned their attempt to take Kyiv after a brief but intense campaign. The withdrawal marked a shift in the conflict’s early phase. Lukashenko’s comments provide his perspective on the decisions behind the move.