Lukashenka Ordered to Allow Ukrainian Mushroom Pickers and Berry Gatherers into Belarus. Ukraine Reacted
During a meeting with the head of the Moscow region, Andrei Vorobyov, Alexander Lukashenka stated that he instructed Belarusian border guards, together with the authorities of the Gomel and Brest regions, to work out the possibility of simplifying access for Ukrainian citizens to border areas of Belarus for picking berries and mushrooms.
Illustrative photo. Photo: "Nasha Niva"
According to Lukashenka, residents of the Ukrainian borderland have for many years come to Belarusian territory to gather wild plants and earned additional income from this — up to 5-6 thousand dollars. Lukashenka noted that many Ukrainians know the local forests and swamps well, sometimes even better than Belarusian residents.
“They know these places better than us. They gathered these wild plants and sold them. We understand that it's difficult and hard there,” he sympathized with the Ukrainians.
Lukashenka emphasized that the Belarusian side is ready to resume such practices, despite the complex situation in the region. At the same time, he stated that he does not see significant security threats, as Belarusian services are capable of controlling people who will cross the border for peaceful purposes.
Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus reported that an official note was handed to the Ukrainian diplomatic representative with a proposal to organize a simplified procedure for the passage of Ukrainian citizens for gathering wild berries, mushrooms, and other forest gifts. According to the State Border Committee, if the Ukrainians were to agree, three special crossing points between Ukraine's Rivne and Belarus's Brest regions are planned for this purpose.
Andriy Demchenko, spokesman for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBSU), commenting on Lukashenka's statements for the 'RBC-Ukraine' publication, reminded that "restrictions are currently in effect in the border area."
“And in general, the border with Belarus is a danger overall,” he stated.
The SBSU representative explained that this refers both to threats to Ukrainians in the territory of another state (from Belarus) and to real physical obstacles.
“There are mine and explosive barriers on the border with Belarus… There is also a further build-up of engineering and fortification reinforcements,” Demchenko reported.
Assessing the statement of the Border Committee of Belarus, the SBSU spokesman remarked that “this is, probably, a way of appeasement from Belarus, regarding their situation in general.” “And they hope that thereby Ukraine… I don’t know… will agree to such a proposal.”
But the SBSU spokesman emphasized that as long as
“Belarus does not stop supporting the terrorist country, there will be no changes regarding the border.”
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