Alexander Lukashenko
We are not a gigantic state, we do not have nuclear weapons, but our army is sufficiently capable to respond to any threat... Therefore, we will protect our patch of land, our statehood, and our independence.Collection: Independence
We will remain independent for as long as our economy develops as needed. We won't be able to maintain our independence if we ruin the economy.Collection: Independence
I am for a single and unified Ukraine.
I believe it is important for both Russia and Europe that Belarus is a sovereign, independent state where Europeans can feel at home.
We have to destroy stereotypes in people's minds that Belarus can be isolated or taught a lesson.
It's better to be a dictator than gay.
If we put people to work and they are busy, we will have less crime.
I have only you, the people of Belarus, and I will serve to the last of my days.
There are dictators a bit worse than me, no? I'm the lesser evil already.
Belarus is not the Middle East. The policies of Belarussian and Middle Eastern leaders are cardinally different from one another.
No matter who comes to Belarusian land, I will fight. Even if it is Putin.
Unlike in the U.K. or France or America, we've never used water cannon for mass riots dispersal.
I ask myself what is a dictator? I don't understand. It is some kind of terrible person, a bad person. But I am not frightening. I am not a bad person at all.
You know that in the Eurasian space, Russia is the central state, the most powerful state. But to become an empire, a member of some empire, a province in this empire - you know, we're probably not ready for that yet, neither in Kazakhstan nor in Belarus.
From my point of view, this is the best time of the year. I don't love heat. I'm a winter guy.
My position and the state will never allow me to become a dictator, but an authoritarian ruling style is characteristic of me.
We will not have Americans telling us what to do... We cannot be brought to our knees.
There are some people bent on blowing up the situation in the country. I call them the fifth column. They are not an opposition. They want to stage a rebellion in the country. Their dream is to topple the government and overthrow the president.
An authoritarian style of rule is characteristic of me, and I have always admitted it.
Dictators don't come from elections.
The history of Germany is a mold for the history of Belarus.
The arms business is an absolutely acceptable business.
The color revolution virus affects only weak countries. Belarus does not have any breeding ground for this.
Who is against human rights in Belarus today? Of course, no one should view human rights as the right to smash shop windows or stir up unrest in the streets.
I repeat for the umpteenth time, without making apologies: My children have had more than their fair share of presidency under their father. There cannot be any hereditary transfer of power.
I understand reform to mean the perfection of what previous generations have already done. I'm not an advocate of destroying, 'kroshat,' and then selling like they do in Russia. That's how we can prevent the wild corruption in our state like they have in the other post-Soviet states.
I am sure that it is the Belarus people who are the masters in our state.
For the sake of calm in the country, I am ready to sacrifice my own sanity.
I have never moved away from my promises to people.
Permit me to be immodest, but I did something for this country.
You need to control the country, and the main thing is not to ruin people's lives.
We have always argued that attempts to isolate Belarus, like other countries, lead to a dead end. In this situation, everyone loses.
We will ensure the interests of both the East and the West in Belarus. Don't try to rip us apart; don't try to make us collide with Russia or with the West.
If you give me carte blanche for any destruction and any revolutionary transformations, if that is what you want, then for God's sake, we will do it. The issue is not me: the issue is society.
Innovations, IT technologies, privatisation - it is all clear. We've conquered all of them. But everything is, very simply, one should get undressed and work.
American democracy has two faces.
We are trying to work around the world. We would like very much to cooperate with the United States.
I am not afraid of mass media.
The sanctions which the West introduced against Russia seriously affect us.
It took centuries to form the German order.
I am reproached for allegedly preparing my children, my eldest son, as a successor. I swear to you I have never discussed this idea, even with my family or with my sons.
We have fulfilled all our agreements and all the conditions set by the IMF better than any other state.
The Belarussian people trust their army and are confident in the reliability of the national security system.
We cannot allow any uncontrolled situation and destabilization in the country.
Belarus is not a superpower, but we pay a lot of attention to sports.
We are a peace-loving people.
During the years of my presidency, I lived a tough and difficult life.
I tried to be honest and fair, helped the talented and those in need.
There is no scope for revolutions coming to Belarus.
As soon as people decline my services, I'll put my briefcase under my arm, and I'll be off.