Фото: Пул первого
Alyaksandr Lukashenka met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kyrgyzstan at the Ala-Archa residence. He informed Putin about the negotiations he is conducting with representatives of the United States. Lukashenka also assured that he is ready to host talks between Russia, the United States, and Ukraine in Minsk.
“If you have the desire to return to Minsk again, it would be appropriate — you know we are always ready. As for Ukraine, we are often reproached, and you know we are holding dialogues with Westerners, with the Americans. When they start talking about this, I ask them: did you not know that we are not just close people — our actions are legally grounded, we are allies.
Therefore, even the Americans, to their credit, never raise this issue. Never. They cut it off once — that’s it, it remains far beyond brackets, and there should be no discussion about it.
But I hope that everything will be fine, judging by recent events. If the Americans (and I will now publicly say what I told them) behave carefully, understanding that this is not a simple issue and requires complex decisions,” Lukashenka said.
“It seems to me that such understanding exists. We will discuss this now,” Putin replied.
Before that, Putin asked Lukashenka to share information about his relations with neighboring countries. In turn, he promised to brief him on the latest developments regarding negotiations to end the Russian-Ukrainian war.
“And, of course, there is much to discuss in the sphere of ensuring the security of the Union State. I was informed by phone about how relations with your neighbors are developing, and I will be glad to inform you about what is happening on our side in achieving results acceptable and desirable for us by peaceful means on the Ukrainian track.
I know that you are always aware of this, that you are concerned as well, and that you are one of those who strive for this conflict to be ended. I remember your contribution to resolving this conflict. I will remind you once again that from the very first days, all efforts undertaken in Belarus in this direction produced good results.
And our first contacts on this issue with the Kyiv regime took place precisely on Belarusian soil with your direct participation, and so on. Naturally, I will be glad to brief you on this as well,” Putin said.
At the start of the meeting, the Russian president also emphasized the successes in economic cooperation between Moscow and Minsk and progress in building the Union State.
“Regarding Russian-Belarusian relations, I would like to highlight the most important points. In addition to good dynamics in the trade and economic sphere, we have already fulfilled more than a third of our plans for improving and building the Union State. This is very important. Discussions in the energy sector are ongoing. I believe they are proceeding productively,” he added.
Lukashenka also expressed his readiness to discuss pressing issues.
“There is always not just something to talk about. There are issues that must be discussed for further decision-making, to consult on certain matters. Although they are not becoming fewer, and they are becoming more and more serious. I am ready to discuss the issues that are pressing for us, for Russia, and for Belarus,” he said.