🇷🇺🇧🇾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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📹 There are two options for the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk region: surrender or die

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🗣 Donald Trump THREATENS EU with 200% TARIFFS on European wines & alcohol if the bloc's 50% whisky tariff left in place

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❗️Putin just gave a BOMBSHELL PRESS CONFERENCE

Here’s what he said:

▪️Russia supports a 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine, but the key issue is what to do with the Ukrainian incursion in the Kursk region.

▪️He believes that, given the situation in Kursk, a ceasefire would be beneficial for Ukraine, as without it, they risk being physically blocked and left with only two options: surrender or die.

▪️Putin raised concerns about how the situation would be monitored if a ceasefire were declared: "How can we be guaranteed that nothing like this will happen?"

▪️He also highlighted other contentious issues along the front lines, where Russian forces are advancing on almost all fronts.

▪️Russia will negotiate the next steps for ending the conflict based on the situation on the ground.

▪️The president also said Ukraine might use the 30 days to continue forced mobilization and replenish its weapon supplies.

▪️The cessation of hostilities in Ukraine must lead to long-term peace and the resolution of the root causes of the crisis.

▪️Putin did not rule out discussing a ceasefire in Ukraine with US President Donald Trump, emphasizing that Ukraine should have urged the Americans to call for an end to hostilities, based on the situation on the ground.

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Is NATO dead amid the US's dwindling support for Ukraine?

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte will meet with President Donald Trump today at the White House. The meeting is crucial for the former Dutch prime minister, who needs to prove the alliance is still relevant, according to media reports.

Since Trump became president, support for Ukraine has been decreasing. EU member states, such as France and the UK have been attempting to reorganize their defense spending by bypassing NATO and making direct deals.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump stated that he plans to discuss the conflict in Ukraine with Rutte, as he wants to end it.

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📹 Trump says US representatives having very serious discussions in Russia at the moment, hopes Russia will agree to ceasefire

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🗣 The US discusses with Ukraine "land and pieces of land that would be kept and lost, and all of the other elements of a final agreement," Trump said.

"There is a [Zaporozhye nuclear] power plant involved, a very big power plant involved. Who's going to get the power plant and who's going to get this and that?" he told reporters at the top of his meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office.

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📹 Trump says he thinks annexation of Greenland will happen

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💸 Americans can do (crypto)-business

The Trump family is in talks to acquire a stake in Binance’s US branch, which could lead to the exchange’s return to the US market. The deal may include a pardon for Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, accused of financial crimes, the WSJ reports.

Binance, which is barred in the US, began exploring a return last year but faces legal challenges, including a lawsuit from the Securities and Exchange Commission. A pardon could help clear these hurdles, though it raises concerns about conflicts of interest between business and government. Trump has previously supported digital assets and self-positioned himself as the "first crypto president."

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