Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko (left)
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko will sign a new security pact on Friday, which both sides say reflects the changing global geopolitical landscape. This was reported by the Russian news agency RIA, citing official sources.
On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Union State
The signing will take place in Minsk during the celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the Union State, a union of Russia and Belarus created to integrate the political, economic and security structures of the two countries.
“We cover the issues of state, public and economic security, as well as ensuring the stable development of our economies,” said Deputy Foreign Minister of Belarus Igor Nazaruk. He called the document “historic” and noted that it takes into account the changing global environment, in which the world is moving towards a polycentric model.
Lukashenko is Putin’s ally
Lukashenka, who has been ruling Belarus for almost 30 years, remains one of Putin’s most loyal allies. In particular, Minsk provided its territory for Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine in 2022, which was a significant impetus for strengthening military cooperation between the two countries.
Russia has already deployed strategic nuclear weapons in Belarus for the first time since the end of the Cold War. Regular joint military exercises have also fuelled fears that Minsk may become more actively involved in the war. Lukashenka himself has stated that the Belarusian army will fight only in the event of an attack on Belarusian territory.
Strategic implications
For the Kremlin, this pact is another attempt to strengthen its influence in the region and counter what Putin calls the “threat of the West”. He continues to position the war in Ukraine as Russia’s struggle for its existence against “Western hegemony”.
The new document is likely to increase the integration of the security structures of the two countries, and will also become a symbol of Moscow and Minsk’s attempt to adapt to changes in the global geopolitical balance.
