Russian Chairman Vladimir Putin (R) shake-hands together with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko just after an event at the Palace of Independence during the Minsk, Belarus, . President out of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko thanked your mind of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin for giving support to the coverage convenience of brand new republic, mentioned that Belarus, with the help of Russia, are preparing teams to fly routes effective at holding 'special ammunition'. [Kremlin pond/EPA/EFE]

Russian Chairman Vladimir Putin refused plans to absorb Belarus when he paid down an unusual go to Monday (19 December) to your nation whose strongman helped their intrusion from neighbouring Ukraine.

Putin flew toward Minsk together with protection and you can overseas ministers for the tow, circumstances after Russian forces circulated a swarm off attack drones in the important infrastructure when you look at the Kyiv, and therefore provoked disaster blackouts inside a dozen countries.

Putin said that Russia and you can Belarus - slapped having new Western sanctions due to the fact Chairman Alexander Lukashenko are elections widely criticised as the fraudulent - was basically “joined because of the a familiar record and spiritual opinions”.

Putin called the nations “closest allies and you can proper lovers” but mentioned that rumours that Russia desired to take over Belarus originated in “ill-wishers”.