Putin assures Russia that it “has no interest” in annexing Belarus

Russia has no interest in assimilating anyone. “It simply doesn’t make sense,” Putin said at a news conference with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko after meeting Monday in Minsk. The two countries are the closest allies and strategic partners in resisting Western sanctions. During the meeting, the two were said to have strengthened their cooperation “in all areas”, including defence.

Are we able to protect our independence without Russia? No!” Lukashenko said. “And if anyone thinks they can separate us today, drive a wedge between us, it won’t work.”

As an ally of Russia, Belarus served as a rear base for Russian forces in their offensive into Ukraine in late February, but the Belarusian military has not yet been involved in the fighting on Ukrainian soil.

In mid-October, Belarus and Russia announced the formation of a joint military force, with a purely “defensive” goal, according to Minsk.