Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, a staunch ally of Russian leader Vladimir Putin, has issued a stark warning that the ongoing war in Ukraine risks escalating into a global conflict unless urgent action is taken to freeze the fighting.
A Chilling Prediction from a Putin Confidant
In comments reported on 17 December 2025, Lukashenko stated that the continuation of the conflict is the "most dangerous thing." He argued that if the escalation persists, the consequences would be "very hard and very dangerous for Europe and for the entire world."
"It will escalate into a global conflict. That is why we must extinguish this conflict right now when we have the opportunity," Lukashenko declared, emphasising the need for immediate de-escalation.
Cross-Border Strikes Intensify Amid Peace Talks
His warning coincided with a night of intense cross-border drone attacks, underscoring the volatile situation. Ukrainian forces targeted several major Russian oil installations in a significant offensive aimed at crippling the Kremlin's ability to finance its war effort.
At least 18 major explosions were reported at the Slavyansk Oil Refinery in Slavyansk-on-Kuban, marking the third such attack on the facility this year. The assault, which caused explosions lasting for hours, is one of Ukraine's largest on Russian energy infrastructure in months. Additional drone strikes hit sites in the Saratov and Engels regions, as well as a fuel complex in Yeysk, triggering massive fireballs.
In response, Russia's Defence Ministry claimed its air defences intercepted and destroyed 94 Ukrainian drones overnight. Moscow launched retaliatory strikes on Ukrainian civilian areas in the provinces of Kharkiv, Odesa, and Zaporizhzhia.
Civilian Toll Mounts in Ukraine
The human cost of the retaliatory attacks was severe. In Zaporizhzhia, Russian strikes hit residential buildings, with regional governor Ivan Fedorov reporting that at least 26 people, including one child, were injured. Preliminary reports indicated people might be trapped under rubble.
In the southern Odesa region, Russian drone attacks damaged transport infrastructure and left almost 300,000 homes without power amid freezing winter conditions.
US Proposals for a Ceasefire on the Table
Amid the violence, diplomatic efforts are reportedly underway. It is believed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is considering latest US peace proposals which could offer Kyiv NATO-like security guarantees in exchange for greater flexibility in negotiations.
These proposals may involve Ukraine setting aside its ambitions for NATO membership. Additionally, there is a suggestion from the US that the disputed Donbas region, claimed by Russia, could be turned into a 'free economic zone' as part of a potential settlement.
Lukashenko's intervention adds a significant voice to the calls for a negotiated end, framing the stakes in the most apocalyptic terms: the prevention of a third world war. The coming days will test whether the escalating military strikes or the urgent diplomatic warnings will hold greater sway.
