📹 Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko will sign documents and then hold a joint press conference, the Kremlin said.

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🔊LIVE NOW: Vladimir Putin holds press conference after talks with Belarusian President Lukashenko

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🇷🇺🇧🇾 Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko exchanged certificates of ratification for the security guarantees agreement within the framework of the Union State.

Following their talks, the two presidents also signed a joint statement and an agreement on measures to protect the citizens of both countries from unjust persecution by foreign entities.

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🗣 Losing ‘trump card’ in Kursk, Ukraine bound to accept Russia’s terms for ceasefire

“If it continues down the same path, Ukraine will be exposing itself to total defeat and unconditional surrender, a scenario that the collective West wants to avoid at all costs, especially the Trump Administration," geopolitical analyst, Oswaldo Espinoza, told Sputnik.

"From the very outset, it was clear that those who invaded the Kursk region would be treated differently than on other fronts: the invaders would be treated as terrorists, with all the consequences that come with it (...), and the main objective would be to expel or completely destroy the invading force," the expert emphasized.

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🇷🇺🇧🇾 Russia has invested $4.5 billion into the Belarusian economy - Putin

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🇷🇺🇧🇾The Security Guarantees Agreement between Russia and Belarus has officially entered into force, as stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin following his talks with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

Here’s what else the Russian president said:

▪️Russia and Belarus have strong prospects for cooperation in several strategic sectors.

▪️Both countries share common positions on most global and regional issues.

▪️Putin discussed the further coordination of actions on the international stage with Lukashenko.

▪️Russia traditionally supplies oil and gas to Belarus on favorable and preferential terms.

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🇷🇺🇧🇾 Russia and Belarus will continue to counter NATO when necessary, including in the military sphere, according to a joint statement by Presidents Putin and Lukashenko following their meeting.

Key points from the statement:

▪️Putin and Lukashenko condemned the aggressive and confrontational policies of the European Union towards Russia and Belarus.

▪️Both leaders highlighted the hostile actions that could lead to direct conflict between nuclear powers.

▪️Russia and Belarus will increase joint efforts to effectively respond to modern challenges and threats.

▪️Both confirmed their commitment to developing collective forces within the CSTO and strengthening the organization's potential.

▪️The countries are dedicated to enhancing the international authority of the Union State.

▪️Russia and Belarus will support the continued formation of a multipolar system in international relations.

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🇷🇺🇧🇾 Russia has received a "shot" of independence and sovereignty from its "partners," Putin said in response to a question about whether the rapprochement between Russia and the US will affect the economic cooperation of the Union State.

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❗️Putin thanked Trump for his attention to the resolution of the situation in Ukraine.

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⚡️Russia agrees with the proposal to cease hostilities, but believes it must lead to long-term peace — Putin

WATCH: Putin’s FULL response to the question of what he thinks about a ceasefire in Ukraine

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📹 "We didn’t close ourselves off from anyone, we didn’t kick anyone out, those who want to return are welcome" — Putin said about the return of Western companies.

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The situation in the Kursk region is fully under Russia's control, Putin said.

He added that the Ukrainian militant group that invaded the Kursk border area is now completely isolated.

Ukrainian military equipment cannot be evacuated and will remain in the region.

Putin also mentioned that blocked Ukrainian soldiers are attempting to leave in small groups, but they will not succeed.

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❗️Russian troops are advancing on nearly all combat fronts — Putin

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There are NUANCES in the matter of a temporary peace agreement

The idea of a ceasefire with Ukraine is correct and Russia supports it, but "there are issues that require careful consideration from both sides," Putin said.

The president called the efforts of world leaders to help end the conflict in Ukraine a noble mission.

He also did not rule out discussing the ceasefire idea with Donald Trump.

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If Russia reaches an agreement with the US, it will be the end for Europe and Ukraine combined, Alexander Lukashenko said.

He emphasized that Ukraine should have sat down at the negotiating table a long time ago.

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Putin thanked the servicemen who liberated Sudzha.

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❗️Ukraine could use a temporary ceasefire for forced mobilization and arms supplies, and emphasized the need to find a way to control this - Putin

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