Putin and Lukashenko forge new security pact amid Ukraine talks
The meeting between Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko concluded with a press conference, during which Russia and Belarus signed security guarantees.
"We thoroughly analyzed almost all the main issues of bilateral cooperation in the economy, the cultural and humanitarian spheres, and in the areas of security and defense. We exchanged views 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 have fulfilled everything you promised. You have always been an example for us, a model of successful integration. This is 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 like to emphasize that 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. All these statements and promises are just empty words," said the leader regarding the war in Ukraine.
"Ukrainians must understand that we are returning to negotiations after three years. We have to take into account the current military and economic situation. For the past years, we have been under enormous pressure," added Lukashenko.
