The Russian president has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to deepening ties with Belarus
FILE PHOTO: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko attend a photo opportunity before an informal meeting of Commonwealth of Independent States heads of state at the Igora resort, in Leningrad region, Russia. © Sputnik / Alexander Kazakov Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended his congratulations to Alexander Lukashenko on his re-election as the president of Belarus. In an official statement shared by the Kremlin on Monday, Putin praised Lukashenko’s “convincing victory,” which he said reflected the leader’s political authority and the public’s support for Belarus’ current course. “Your convincing victory in the election demonstrates your high political authority and the undeniable support of the public for the state’s course,” Putin’s statement read. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko secured his seventh term in office following Sunday’s election, extending his three-decade rule in the former Soviet republic for another five years. Lukashenko won 86.82% of the vote, according to national broadcaster Belta, citing Central Electoral Commission chief Igor Karpenko. None of the other candidates garnered more than 5% of the vote. The result means Lukashenko will remain in power until 2030. The Russian president expressed optimism about the future of bilateral relationship between the two nations. “We have achieved much recently to strengthen the friendly ties between Moscow and Minsk. Of course, we will continue to work closely on the further development of our multifaceted cooperation,” Putin said. The message also emphasized the significance of the Union State, a political and economic partnership between Russia and Belarus, and the broader integration processes within the Eurasian Economic Union.
Read more “We will continue to enhance the effectiveness of Union State institutions and promote mutually beneficial integration processes in the Eurasian space,” he added. Putin’s statement included a personal note of support for Lukashenko, wishing him success in his work, and extending an invitation to Moscow. “You are always a welcome and valued guest in Russia. As we agreed, I look forward to seeing you soon in Moscow,” the message concluded. Lukashenko has been in power since 1994 and is one of Europe’s longest-serving leaders. His re-election marks another chapter in the close relationship between the two countries, which has gained significance during the Ukraine conflict, with Belarus serving as a strategic ally and logistical hub for Russian operations. In 2024, Russia and Belarus signed a security treaty in response to US military expansion across Europe. The agreement includes plans to deploy Russia’s Oreshnik medium-range hypersonic missile systems in Belarus by 2025.
