Belarus and Russia hold defense meeting at Independence Palace

Ministers of Defense of Belarus and the Russian Federation met at the Independence Palace. Immediately after a joint collegium meeting, they proceeded to a meeting with the President.

Lukashenko: "Thank you for maintaining the joint groupings we have formed together within the CSTO framework in the western direction, despite all difficulties and challenges. The Belarusian army is playing its role. You, being deeply involved in these matters, understand this well. We are fulfilling all our obligations."

"We are preparing for war, but doing everything possible to avoid it. Neither we nor you need this war. But to prevent it from happening, we must always be ready. Therefore, our joint grouping in the western direction will always be necessary, and today it is fully operational."