Moscow says it doesn’t want to include Belarus
Russian President Vladimir Putin has asserted that Russia has “no interest” in welcoming Belarus, its closest ally, which is heavily dependent on Moscow for gas and oil supplies.
“It just doesn’t make sense,” Putin said at a press conference with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko after their talks in Minsk. The Kremlin master insisted on the close ties between the two countries, “the closest allies and strategic partners” who are “effectively” defying Western sanctions.
According to him, during these “substantial” talks, Moscow and Minsk agreed to increase their cooperation in “all areas”, especially in the defense sector. These are “joint measures to ensure security” between the two countries, “mutual arms deliveries” and the joint manufacture of weapons, said Putin.
Russia will also continue to train Belarusian soldiers to fly Soviet-designed Belarusian aircraft capable of carrying nuclear bombs, according to the same source.
“We have tested these planes in Russia and are now preparing them,” Mr Lukashenko said, while stressing that “this does not pose a threat to anyone”. “Russia can do without us, and we can’t do without them,” he argued.
“Are we able to defend our independence without Russia? nope ! ‘ added the Belarusian President. “And if someone thinks they can separate us today, drive a wedge between us, they won’t make it,” Alexander Lukashenko added.