MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted on Sunday that Kyiv’s counteroffensive had “failed,” as he hosted Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, his close ally, for talks in Saint Petersburg on Sunday.
The high-level talks took place amid rising tensions and regional security concerns, marking the first meeting between the two leaders since Lukashenko played a role in ending a mutiny by Russian Wagner mercenaries in Russia last month.
The meeting between Putin and Lukashenko took place in Putin’s hometown of Saint Petersburg, following reports of the Russian army’s strike on Ukraine’s Black Sea port of Odesa. The meeting’s significance was emphasized by Putin’s decision to adjust his schedule, allocating two days for discussions with Lukashenko.
During the talks, Putin highlighted the agenda’s focus on “security in our region.” Notably, Belarus now houses Wagner fighters within its territory, brokered through a deal with the group’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, which averted a march on Moscow.
Lukashenko assured that his government was “controlling” the situation with the notorious Wagner mercenaries, confining their movements to central Belarus. However, their presence has raised concerns among EU and NATO member Poland, prompting Poland to reinforce its borders.
In the discussions, both Putin and Lukashenko accused Poland of harboring territorial ambitions towards Ukraine and Belarus, with Lukashenko issuing a veiled warning about controlling the Wagner fighters’ movements.
Lukashenko Thanks Putin for Promising to Defend Belarus
Lukashenko thanked Putin for promising to defend Belarus in the event of an attack, a statement that came just two days after Putin claimed that western Poland was a “gift” from Stalin. Lukashenko further accused Poland of attempting to claim a “western chunk” of Ukraine.
Amid the rising tensions, Poland summoned the Russian ambassador in response to Putin’s remarks about the country.
After their talks, Putin and Lukashenko made a rare public appearance, greeting crowds in the naval town and base of Kronstadt on Kotlin Island. The two leaders were seen posing for photographs with people in a friendly gesture.
During the meeting, Putin was asked about his strict adherence to quarantine rules since the pandemic began, to which he replied, “People are more important than quarantine.”
The meeting between Putin and Lukashenko comes amidst regional concerns and heightened tensions in the area. The discussions are closely watched by international observers, given the implications for regional stability and security.
