Lukashenko-China May Play Most Important Role In Resolving Crisis

Russian state media Tass reporting on Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who is making comments on the risk of nuclear conflict and peace talks. Tass: 'Lukashenko: "Talks on Ukraine hit [a] dead end, but there is still a way out'." Says he is ready to mediated peace talks. Also states that "China may play the most important role in resolving Ukraine crisis." The Chinese peace plan has largely been dismissed by the West as being too pro-Russia. However, the gov't in Kyiv has held meetings with Chinese officials in a sign that there may be an opportunity for Beijing to play peacemaker.

• Lukashenko claims that 'Russia will consult with Belarus in case nuclear weapons are used....Nuclear weapons are deployed in Belarus exclusively for defence purposes.'
• Tass: 'Lukashenko tells West: "We are not going to attack anyone with nuclear weapons. But if you show aggression, the response will be immediate. Targets have been determined".'
• Tass: 'Lukashenko: "Nuclear weapons will not be used during special military operation, it's only possible in case of NATO aggression."
• Separately, Russian Foreign Ministry spox Maria Zakharova states that "Western ideas that Russia is ready to use weapons of mass destruction are false."