French President Emmanuel Macron warns Belarus against becoming more deeply involved in Russia’s war against Ukraine, according to reporting cited by multiple outlets. The warning is tied to a phone call with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, described as the first reported contact between the two since 2022. The call comes after Belarus hosted joint nuclear drills with Russia, according to the reports, and amid Ukrainian concerns that Belarus could support or enable a new offensive from Belarusian territory.
In the phone conversation, Macron urges Minsk not to take further steps that would increase its involvement alongside Russia. He also calls on Belarus to improve its relationships with Europe, urging Minsk to take steps aimed at repairing and strengthening ties. The reports characterize the engagement as part of Macron’s effort to influence Belarus’s posture as the war continues and as regional security concerns persist. Neither outlet provides additional details on specific measures discussed beyond the emphasis on non-escalation and improved European relations.
