Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that his country “has no interest” in absorbing Belarus, its closest ally.
“Russia has no interest in absorbing anyone,” said Putin during a press conference with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk. “It just doesn’t make sense.”
Yet the Russian leader announced the pair held “substantial” talks on strengthening their cooperation in “all areas”, especially defence.
They will jointly manufacture and deliver arms, as well as other “common measures” to ensure their security, he said.
Russia will also continue to train Belarusian servicemen to fly Soviet-designed Belarusian aircraft capable of deploying nuclear bombs.
Belarus is Russia’s principal regional ally and Russian forces used its territory to invade Ukraine at the start of the war.
The two leaders met for talks on Monday as Russian troops prepare to conduct exercises in Belarus. This has caused nerves in Kyiv that the country could again serve as a base for a renewed assault on Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Ukraine is ready for all possible defence scenarios against Moscow and its ally.
“Protecting our border, both with Russia and Belarus — is our constant priority,” Zelenskyy said after a meeting on Sunday of Ukraine’s top military command. “We are preparing for all possible defence scenarios.”
Officials in Kyiv have warned for months that neighbouring Belarus — one of Russia’s closest allies — could join Russian forces and serve again as a launching pad for a new attack to form a second front in the months-long war.
Belarus allowed its territory to be used as a launchpad for Moscow’s February 24 invasion of Ukraine but has not joined the fighting directly. Lukashenko has said repeatedly he has no intention of sending his country’s troops into Ukraine.
Russian troops that were moved to Belarus in October will conduct battalion tactical exercises, the Russian Interfax news agency reported, citing the Russian defence ministry.
Source: Euronews
