Putin and Lukashenko Meet at Valdai to Address Regional Security

The Kremlin confirmed the agenda prioritized joint infrastructure projects and regional security, though the atmosphere remained heavy with the ongoing conflict. While Ukraine has repeatedly accused Minsk of acting as a staging ground for Russian military operations, both leaders maintain a posture of denial. Lukashenko continues to argue that Western powers and Kyiv are attempting to drag his country into the direct line of fire, framing Belarus as a target of geopolitical pressure rather than a belligerent. Dmitry Peskov noted that no public statements would follow the session, leaving the specifics of their strategic alignment behind closed doors.