Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said in a meeting with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu that Minsk needs security guarantees in case of an attack on the republic, BelTA reported. According to Lukashenka, he discussed this issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“In general, at the talks it sounded that in the event of an attack on Belarus, the Russian Federation protects it as its territory. these are what we need [гарантии] security”,
said Luke.
The Belarusian president discussed this issue with Putin, who supported him “from all sides” and recommended reviewing interstate agreements and deciding “what normative legal act should be adopted to ensure the full security of Belarus.”
Lukashenka noted that Western countries “trapped” the agreements and agreements given under the Budapest Accord, and “there is no security left”.
“I also meant economic security. Well, what kind of economic security will we have if they impose sanctions on us, on Russia?” He asked.
The Budapest Memorandum was signed on 5 December 1994 by the UK, Russia, the USA and Ukraine. It provides guarantees for Ukraine’s security and territorial integrity in exchange for Kiev’s abandonment of nuclear weapons. Separate agreements have been signed with Belarus and Kazakhstan, providing them with guarantees of security, sovereignty and land value to give up nuclear weapons.
In October 2022, Lukashenka accused Western countries of failing to cope with their “functions as a global regulator and guarantor of stability”.
Lukashenka also discussed with Shoigu the coordination and combat training of the joint allied troop group. “You see Poles and Lithuanians starting to move towards us. Therefore, this is a very good support and support for the Belarusian army, which is protecting the Union State on its western flank.
“Of course, today we will consider all the issues related to his further stay, preparation and possibly expanding the scope that you discussed with Vladimir Vladimirovich. [Путиным]”, – said Shoigu.
Lukashenka’s public address
On March 31, the President of Belarus addressed the nation. He stated that Minsk is ready to accept on its territory not only tactical (TNW), but also strategic nuclear weapons, including intercontinental ballistic missiles. He also said that he had instructed the areas where the Topol missile systems were previously located to be restored in Belarus.
According to Lukashenko, Belarus is ready to assert its sovereignty, including the nuclear arsenal. This is our weapon to promote sovereignty and independence,” he said.
It was announced by Putin on March 25 that Russian tactical nuclear weapons would be deployed in Belarus. He said that by July 1, Moscow will complete the construction of a storage facility for tactical nuclear weapons in the republic. However, the president stressed that it would be under the control of the Russian army.
Negotiations in Moscow
Lukashenka arrived in Moscow on April 5. The Presidents met in the Kremlin and attended the meeting of the Supreme State Council of the State of the Union on April 6. According to the First Telegram channel, which is close to Lukashenka’s press service, a meeting was also held in the Kremlin’s official office, where “the most closed issues were discussed”. This was later confirmed by Peskov.
On the first day of the talks, issues related to the implementation of the “road maps” of the State of the Union were discussed. According to Lukashenka, about 80% of the 28 joint sectoral programs have been implemented. Trade and countermeasures were also discussed.
“It turns out that they also have the opportunity to work here: missiles fly and military equipment moves here and there,” said Lukashenka. – Everyone was afraid of hunger and cold. And what? There is no place to put the bread in Russia today. When was this? A huge harvest. It will be the same in industry.”
After the meeting of the SG Supreme State Council, we were informed about the creation of the Security Concept of the interstate union. Putin said that the document will formulate the main tasks of interaction between the two countries, including reflecting external challenges.