Russia and Belarus Moving Towards a More Challenging Partnership Against Europe
During a press conference following their talks, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko signed an agreement regarding the mutual protection of Russian and Belarusian citizens from unjust persecution by foreign countries. They also ratified a security guarantees treaty within the framework of the Union State.
The two presidents discussed in detail matters related to the economy, security, and defense, exchanging views on current international and regional issues. Putin emphasized the signing of a solid package of documents following the negotiations, stressing that Belarus and Russia are reliable allies and strategic partners.
Putin noted that cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union is progressing rapidly, and that trade and investment between Russia and Belarus are protected from the influence of third countries or negative trends in global markets. He also confirmed that Russia traditionally supplies Belarus with oil and gas on favorable and preferential terms, and that Russians residing in Belarus and Belarusians residing in Russia will be able to participate in local elections.
In a joint statement, Putin and Lukashenko discussed the formation of a joint defense zone, reaffirming their commitment to increasing joint efforts to effectively respond to modern challenges and threats. They also emphasized the importance of continuing to form a multipolar world system and condemned the European Union’s aggressive and confrontational policy towards Russia and Belarus.
Putin announced that the security guarantees treaty between Russia and Belarus had come into effect, and that the western borders of the Union State are reliably protected. He also pointed out that Moscow and Minsk intend to coordinate positions regarding NATO’s activities aimed at creating threats to the security and interests of both countries.
Putin confirmed that Russia will continue to defend Belarus’s interests and that these interests are always taken into account when Russia interacts with any other partners or neighbors. He also stated that Russia would negotiate according to the situation “on the ground” and that the level of cooperation between Russia and Belarus in the economy and real production is high.
Regarding the Ukrainian crisis, Putin thanked Trump for his interest in resolving the crisis and announced his agreement to the proposal for a ceasefire in Ukraine. He emphasized that the cessation of hostilities should lead to long-lasting peace and address the root causes of the crisis, adding that Ukrainian soldiers trapped in the Kursk region would have the option to surrender or face death.
Finally, Lukashenko affirmed that Ukraine should have ceased fire long ago and engaged in talks with Russia, clarifying that any agreement between Russia and the United States would be a “failure” for both Europe and Ukraine.
