Putin Touts USD52B Russia-Belarus Trade Surge Amid 'External' Pressure

(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin declared Saturday that economic and trade relations between Russia and Belarus continue to strengthen despite what he called outside efforts to disrupt them.

"Overall, I want to note that … our main area of interaction, trade and economics, is developing successfully, despite all external attempts to somehow influence it," Putin said in opening remarks as he welcomed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to the Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow.

Citing Russian government figures, Putin pointed to roughly $52 billion in bilateral trade turnover last year as a strong result, adding that the first half of this year has already brought a further 12.5% jump, alongside $4.5 billion in direct Russian investment.

The Russian leader also spotlighted technological collaboration between the two nations, crediting Belarus with having "preserved and expanded much of what was created during the Soviet era" — a foundation he said both countries can continue building on, including in microelectronics.

Putin noted the two leaders would also review outcomes from talks Lukashenko held in Moscow the previous day, stressing that Russia and Belarus remain active partners on the world stage and continue deepening their so-called Union State.

Lukashenko, for his part, said technological cooperation had come up during his Friday meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, expressing confidence that solutions would be found there as in other areas of joint work.

"The fact that we are meeting with you is not solely our fault. The dynamics of international relations are such that they, among other things, push us to discuss the problems we face. You can be sure that we will overcome all difficulties together, working together," he said.

Russia and Belarus are formally bound within a Union State framework and have spent years pursuing closer integration.

MENAFN30082026000045017169ID1111596904