Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko in St. Petersburg, nearly a month after the failed mutiny attempt by the Wagner Group that rocked Moscow.
The two leaders met at the Konstantinovsky Palace in Strelna, outside of St. Petersburg, for talks that lasted for several hours. The Kremlin said that the discussions focused on the current state of affairs in Ukraine, as well as the further integration of Russia and Belarus.
Putin and Lukashenko also discussed the recent Wagner Group mutiny, which was reportedly sparked by a dispute over payments. The Wagner Group is a private military company that is closely linked to the Kremlin. The mutiny was reportedly suppressed by Russian security forces, and several Wagner Group members were arrested.
The meeting between Putin and Lukashenko comes at a time of heightened tensions between Russia and the West. The United States and its allies have imposed a series of sanctions on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine. The sanctions have had a significant impact on the Russian economy, and they have also led to a rift between Russia and Belarus.
In recent months, Belarus has become increasingly reliant on Russia for economic and political support. Lukashenko has also been accused of helping Russia to support the separatists in eastern Ukraine.
The meeting between Putin and Lukashenko is likely to be seen as a sign of the close ties between the two countries. It is also likely to be seen as a sign of Russia’s determination to maintain its influence in Belarus.
The meeting between Putin and Lukashenko is significant for a number of reasons. First, it shows that the two countries are still closely aligned, despite the recent Wagner Group mutiny. Second, it shows that Russia is determined to maintain its influence in Belarus. Third, it shows that Russia is willing to use economic and political pressure to achieve its goals.
The meeting is also likely to have a significant impact on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Russia is likely to use Belarus as a staging ground for further military operations in Ukraine. Lukashenko is also likely to continue to provide political and logistical support to the separatists in eastern Ukraine.
The meeting between Putin and Lukashenko is a reminder that Russia is still a major player in the world, and that it is willing to use its power to achieve its goals. The meeting is also a reminder that the conflict in Ukraine is likely to continue for some time to come.