Russian President Vladimir Putin visited allied Belarus and met with President Lukashenko.
At a press conference after the meeting, President Putin emphasized that he would further strengthen military cooperation between the two countries, and it seems that there is also an intention to shake Ukraine and the West.
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Minsk, the capital of Belarus, on the 19th, and held talks with President Lukashenko.
According to Russian media and other sources, President Putin will visit Belarus for the first time in three years since 2019, and the visit was accompanied by Foreign Minister Lavrov and Defense Minister Shoigu.
At a press conference after the meeting, President Putin said, "We have agreed to continue regular joint exercises in order to ensure the security of both countries," emphasizing further strengthening of military cooperation. Did.
In addition, President Putin said, with nuclear warheads in mind, “I think it is possible for Russia to train the crews of Belarusian military aircraft that can carry a certain special warhead. I have done the same thing in 2018,” and mentioned the cooperation with Belarus in terms of nuclear forces, and it seems that there is also an intention to shake up the conflicting Ukraine and the Western side.
On the other hand, President Lukashenko said, "We cannot protect our independence and sovereignty without Russia," and showed a willingness to strengthen cooperation with Russia.
In Belarusian territory, it is reported that the Belarusian and Russian forces have stepped up their activities this month, and President Putin has asked President Lukashenko for more active military cooperation over the invasion of Ukraine. There is a point of view.
The Ukrainian side also analyzes that the Russian army may launch a large-scale attack early next year, and along with the Russian army, it is also vigilant against the movement of the Belarusian army, which is close to the capital Kyiv. seems to be strengthening.
U.S. State Department spokesperson strongly discourages Belarus
“We will be watching closely whether Belarus will provide additional support to the war in Ukraine. If there is, we will respond appropriately," he said, indicating that he would impose additional sanctions if Belarus provided further assistance to Russia.