Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
South China Morning Post
South China Morning Post
World
DPA

Lukashenko claims ‘breakthrough’ on union between Belarus and Russia

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko (left) and Russian President Vladimir Putin walk in the hall during a joint press conference in the Kremlin on Thursday. Photo: AP

Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Thursday, in a renewed bid for support amid sanctions imposed by the West in the aftermath of disputed elections a year ago.

Lukashenko announced a “breakthrough” at the start of the meeting, referring to a union state with Russia, a project long in the planning.

Some 28 programmes have been worked out, according to Lukashenko, the long-time authoritarian leader of Belarus.

He has recently made numerous concessions in talks with Putin, who met him with a smile and a warm embrace in the fifth meeting of the two leaders this year.

Lukashenko said the overall package for the confederation could be adopted at the highest level at the end of October, saying “this will be a breakthrough, a breakthrough in many spheres.”

Putin, eager for results, said he had let Lukashenko come to see how work was proceeding on creating the union state, which has been under discussion for more than two decades.

Putin has repeatedly promised to support Lukashenko in his conflict with the West which imposed sanctions following Minsk's violent crackdown on dissent due to elections widely thought to have been rigged.

Belarus court hands two opposition activists lengthy sentences

Belarus' democracy movement has complained of severe repression, including the torture and killing of dissidents. According to human rights activists, the country has more than 500 political prisoners.

Before leaving Belarus, Lukashenko said the agreements with Russia would not lead to a loss of the country's independence.

Putin said that the governments of both countries could “finalise the agreements” on Friday in Minsk, especially concerning economic and financial issues.

He did not provide further details.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.