Putin Holds Talks with Belarus President: "Economy Running Well Despite Western Sanctions"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, boasting of the friendship between the two countries while stating that their economies are developing despite Western sanctions. President Lukashenko reportedly suggested the possibility of military intervention, claiming that Poland might attack western Ukraine.

According to TASS news agency on the 23rd (local time), President Putin met with President Lukashenko in Sochi, a resort city on Russia's Black Sea coast. Before the private meeting, during a TV-broadcasted informal conversation, Putin boasted, "Despite Western sanctions, Russia's economy is functioning well."

President Lukashenko responded, "The Western sanctions have given both our countries the momentum to focus on economic development," adding, "The West does not know where their economic difficulties stem from." He further said, "They say 'everything is Putin's fault'." Putin gave a wry smile and stated, "From now on, we will have serious talks with them."

During the talks, President Lukashenko also claimed that the West, including Poland and NATO, is trying to divide Ukraine. He said, "Poland is trying to occupy western Ukraine," but did not provide concrete evidence. This statement is interpreted as hinting at the possibility of Belarus's future involvement in the Ukraine conflict.

On the same day, the Belarusian Ministry of Defense issued a statement saying, "We will check the condition of military equipment and whether we are ready to carry out our missions." The Ukrainian General Staff also warned, "Belarusian forces have deployed additional troops near the border and are intensifying reconnaissance activities."

Previously, Belarus allowed Russian troops to freely move and station on its territory during Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Since the border area between Belarus and Ukraine is only about 90 km from Kyiv, the Russian military launched offensives in northern Ukraine, including the capital Kyiv, through the Belarusian border region at the beginning of the war. However, it is known that Belarusian forces have not been directly deployed to the Ukrainian front so far.