The Kremlin reported that the leaders of two neighboring states, Vladimir Putin of Russia and Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, who attended the commemorative events marking the lifting of the siege of Leningrad, will keep their lines of communication open and are expected to meet informally in the evening. The update came from Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary for the Russian president, as cited by TASS.
Asked whether the informal heads of state would continue their discussions today and tomorrow, Peskov confirmed, saying that both days would see continued contact. The Kremlin spokesperson added that a bilateral meeting was on the schedule for the following day.
Earlier in the day, Lukashenko arrived on a working visit to Saint Petersburg by plane, landing at Pulkovo Airport. He then proceeded to meet with President Putin and participate in the opening ceremony dedicated to the memorial honoring the victims of Nazism during the Great Patriotic War. The visit underscores ongoing efforts to reinforce ties between Moscow and Minsk amid a broader regional dialogue.
During remarks after landing, Lukashenko emphasized the openness of Moscow and Minsk to any constructive, friendly steps that advance mutual interests and regional stability. He highlighted a spirit of cooperation designed to address shared challenges through dialogue and practical cooperation.
In related comments, Lukashenko also voiced concerns about the destruction of monuments to Soviet soldiers in parts of the European Union and in Ukraine, framing the issue within a wider debate about historical memory and the preservation of wartime memorials. He reiterated Belarusian support for respectful, historically informed discussions while urging consideration of perspectives on the commemorations that mark the Allied struggle in the Second World War.
With the Leningrad siege anniversary serving as a backdrop, Moscow and Minsk appear committed to sustaining direct lines of communication and pursuing bilateral engagements that can translate into concrete steps on security, economic collaboration, and cultural dialogue. Observers note that the ongoing exchanges reflect a long-running pattern of constant contact between the presidents, even as the broader geopolitical environment remains complex.
Source: TASS