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At the Independence Palace, Sergei Lavrov, who leads Russia’s Foreign Ministry, met with Alexander Lukashenko, the president of Belarus. TASS, the Russian state news agency, reported that Lavrov was joined by Sergei Aleynik, Lukashenko’s counterpart in Belarus, during the talks. The date is notable because June 25 marks the 32nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Russia and Belarus, a milestone that underscores a long history of political and economic collaboration between the two neighboring nations.

The conversations took place against a wider regional backdrop, with both sides examining a spectrum of issues tied to security, regional stability, and ongoing diplomatic efforts. Lavrov and Aleynik discussed how Western policies have influenced the trajectory of the conflict in Ukraine, with Lavrov highlighting what he sees as a persistent pattern of ultimatums issued by Western countries since the start of military operations in the region. He argued that Western powers continue to frame Ukraine’s actions in terms of pressure and deadlines, while insisting that a political and diplomatic settlement remains possible only if external pressures are reconsidered. Lavrov also noted that the Western military assistance to Kyiv has expanded and diversified over time, enlarging Kyiv’s tactical options and material capabilities.

During their remarks, Lavrov emphasized a key condition for any potential talks: Russia would not suspend its military actions solely to create space for negotiations. He stated that, unlike some past episodes, hostilities would continue alongside diplomatic discussions, and any move toward a settlement would require a parallel, sustained process. The aim, as he framed it, was to ensure that negotiations do not become a mere pause in fighting, but rather a framework within which all sides actively pursue a durable peace, with a clear sequence of steps and binding commitments for every participant.

In earlier explanations, Lavrov described the decision to initiate operations in Ukraine as a response to perceived threats and the need to safeguard security interests. He portrayed the actions as a response to what he characterized as failed attempts at resolution through other channels and argued that the situation demanded firm and deliberate measures. The discussions at the Independence Palace, therefore, blended historical context with a forward-looking perspective on diplomacy, signaling Belarusian support for continued dialogue while also highlighting the complexity of the conflict and the wider international dynamics surrounding it.

The meeting reflects a routine yet important element of regional diplomacy, illustrating how Moscow and Minsk continue to coordinate on security and strategic questions. It also signals Belarusian alignment with a broader pattern of dialogue aimed at shaping the political and security landscape in Eastern Europe. The dialogue underscores the ongoing debate about how external actors influence regional stability and how the two nations navigate a shifting international environment while maintaining their mutual interests and ongoing collaboration across multiple sectors.