The presidents of the Russian Federation and Belarus, Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko, signed a decision aimed at regulating property matters within the Union State of Russia and Belarus. This information was reported by RIA News. The move marks another step in aligning the ownership and management of shared assets as Moscow and Minsk continue to cooperate on a broader integration agenda, including economic planning and joint programs.
State Secretary of the Supreme State Council, Dmitry Mezentsev, explained that an inventory of union property had not been conducted previously. An inventory is now planned for 2024 as part of a wider effort to clarify ownership and accountability for assets held in common by the two nations. This effort is intended to establish a clear record of property that belongs to the Union State and determine how it should be managed over time.
Mezentsev added that mechanisms are needed to translate the financial outcomes generated through the implementation of Supreme State Council programs into the budget of the Union State. In practical terms, this means creating transparent processes to channel earnings and savings from joint initiatives into a shared financial pool that supports bilateral projects and long-term strategic goals.
In related developments, Lukashenko was reported to be on a working visit on his second day in St. Petersburg. During this visit, he attended the opening ceremony of a new Russian complex in Antarctica and held discussions with Putin. Reports indicate that he raised concerns about global warming and its implications for humanity, reflecting on climate-related challenges and regional security considerations. The Belarusian leader also commented on regional military experiences, touching on the Northern Military District, and expressed a critical view of Ukraine and the Baltic states, suggesting that these neighbors seek opportunities beyond their current borders rather than pursuing ties with Russia. This exchange underscores the ongoing interplay of security, climate, and regional diplomacy in the bilateral relationship.
As the day progressed, Putin and Lukashenko were seen traveling together, a public symbol of continued cooperation at the highest levels. The two leaders appear to be coordinating on strategic topics that affect both countries, ranging from defense and security to economic collaboration and the management of shared assets in the Union State framework.