Putin noted interest in Lukashenko's speech

During a video conference at the VNS, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he had closely followed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko's speech and noted that he listened to his speech "with pleasure and interest." Initially, Ukraine noted that such an exchange of comments demonstrated the strengthening of ties between the two countries. Lukashenko's speech addressed joint efforts toward economic development and enhancing defense capabilities within the framework of the Union State.

Context

As part of the visits by leaders of the USSR in the 1990s and subsequent agreements on the Union State, Belarus and Russia have maintained close political and economic ties.