Putin and Lukashenko seal security pact amid Ukraine tensions
The meeting between Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko concluded with a press conference. Russia and Belarus signed security guarantees.
- We thoroughly analyzed almost all the main issues of bilateral cooperation in the economy, as well as in the cultural and humanitarian spheres, in the field of security and defence. We exchanged opinions on current international and regional issues - said Putin during the press conference following the Russian-Belarusian talks.
- I am very grateful, President Putin, because you did everything you promised. You have always been an example for us, an example of successful integration, and how we should work between our ministries - said Alexander Lukashenko during the conference.
- We also discussed the conflict in Ukraine. We will work on it today and tomorrow with Mr. Putin. We discussed the prospects and I would also like to say this: We should not expect too much, but we must trust the facts. We simply have to look at the facts. That's the most important thing. And all these statements and promises are just empty words - the dictator said about the war in Ukraine.
- Ukrainians must understand that we are returning to negotiations after three years. We must consider the current military and economic situation. For the past years, we have been under enormous pressure - added Lukashenko.
