Belarusian President Discusses Security Guarantees with Russian Defense Minister

(MENAFN) Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has discussed security guarantees with Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu to protect his country from an "act of aggression" against Minsk. During their meeting on Monday, Lukashenko mentioned his previous talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and stated that they agreed that Shoygu and experts would come to Belarus to discuss the security issues of the country. Lukashenko also underlined that the West does not fulfill its obligations under the Budapest Memorandum which was signed by Ukraine, Russia, the UK, and the US on Dec. 3, 1994, to provide Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan with security assurances in connection with their accession to the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

According to Lukashenko, Western states have trampled on all these treaties, agreements, and statements, and have imposed sanctions against Belarus, which affects their economic security. Lukashenko also mentioned that he discussed this issue with Putin during their talks in Moscow, in response to which Putin supported him and stated that they need to revise all treaties and agreements between Moscow and Minsk to ensure "the complete security of Belarus".

The meeting between Lukashenko and Shoygu highlights the ongoing concerns about Belarus' security and the country's relationship with Russia. Belarus has been facing political turmoil since the disputed presidential election in August 2020, with Lukashenko's opponents claiming that the election was rigged. This has led to widespread protests and international condemnation, with the European Union and the United States imposing sanctions on Belarus [3].

The relationship between Belarus and Russia has been complicated in recent years, with Belarus seeking closer ties with the West and Russia attempting to maintain its influence over its neighbor. However, Lukashenko's recent actions, including his crackdown on protesters and his decision to divert a Ryanair flight to arrest a dissident journalist, have pushed Belarus closer to Russia.

In conclusion, Lukashenko's recent discussions with Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu about security guarantees for Belarus highlights the ongoing concerns about the country's security and its relationship with Russia. The West's failure to fulfill its obligations under the Budapest Memorandum and the imposition of economic sanctions against Belarus have created a sense of insecurity in the country. Belarus' relationship with Russia has become increasingly important in recent years, with Lukashenko's recent actions pushing the country closer to Russia. The situation in Belarus continues to be a matter of concern for the international community, with many hoping for a peaceful resolution to the country's political turmoil

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