Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko commenced discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 26 at Valdai, as reported by the channel “Pool First,” which is close to Lukashenko. The primary agenda aimed at evaluating Belarus-Russia cooperation and the current geopolitical situation.
Following the conclusion of their initial meeting, Lukashenko opted to remain at Valdai rather than return to Minsk, indicating that the discussions would continue.
“Even in an expanded format,” stated Lukashenko’s press secretary, Natalya Eismont.
Context
- The specific agenda of the meeting has not been disclosed. However, Lukashenko’s visit to Putin coincided with fears regarding Belarus potentially engaging in the ongoing conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently claimed that four relay stations in the Gomel and Brest regions are facilitating Russian drone attacks on Ukraine’s Zhytomyr, Rivne, and Volyn regions, specifically targeting energy facilities and railroads. Zelensky has urged Belarusian authorities to dismantle this equipment within a week, or Ukraine would take action.
- On June 24, Zelensky announced that, according to military commander Oleksandr Syrskiy and intelligence reports, these relay stations in Belarus ceased operations as of June 22.
- Moreover, Lukashenko noted that he held discussions with representatives of Zelensky in Minsk.
