Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin conducted a phone discussion to follow up on issues raised during their recent Valaam meeting. The Belarusian state press service reported the conversation, noting the ongoing coordination between Minsk and Moscow on shared priorities.
During the talks, Putin expressed gratitude for Belarus’s role in facilitating a prisoner exchange between Russia and Western nations that took place the day before. The exchange involved a substantial number of detainees and was described by Turkish intelligence as part of a broader regional effort to normalize bilateral ties.
The leaders had met on Valaam in what was described as an “unusual” working session. They underscored that the outcomes of their negotiations would influence alliance relations, regional stability, and the broader architecture of international affairs in the near term. The dialogue highlighted the two states’ intention to align their policies on security, economy, and regional governance as part of a growing cooperation framework.
Moreover, the exchange process between Russia and Western countries, acknowledged by the Russian side as a key achievement, followed a large-scale operation coordinated with several Western partners. Turkish intelligence reported the involvement of 26 individuals in the swap, underscoring the complexity and sensitivity of the negotiations that underpin Moscow’s and Minsk’s strategic alignment.
In reviewing the developments, Lukashenko reaffirmed Belarus’s commitment to constructive participation in regional security efforts and reiterated readiness to support pragmatic solutions that advance stability in the region. The discussions reflected a shared interest in maintaining open channels of dialogue and reinforcing multi-lateral cooperation in the face of evolving geopolitical dynamics. Officials emphasized that the next steps would be shaped by ongoing consultations and practical arrangements designed to sustain mutual interests and regional balance. [Attribution: Belarusian press service / official briefings]