The reason why Lukashenko says Meloni cannot negotiate with Moscow: "She is a woman"

Aleksandr Lukashenko, the president of Belarus, stated that Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of Italy, should not be the main European interlocutor in negotiations with Russia, "Meloni is a woman, she cannot negotiate with Moscow." The Belarusian leader also asked, "Do you want to place such a burden on the shoulders of a woman?"

Instead, he designated Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, as the most suitable leader for this role. The statements were made during a recent phone conversation, in which Lukashenko expressed his willingness to receive a representative of Macron in Minsk. Lukashenko insisted that if Macron is afraid to come personally, he should send someone trustworthy.

He also emphasized the importance of reopening dialogue with Russia, in the context of Europe resuming discussions about appointing a special envoy to coordinate relations with Moscow. Lukashenko sparked controversy with his statements about women's ability to negotiate, while speculation about possible candidates for the mediator role, including Angela Merkel and Mario Draghi, continues to circulate.