Russia and Belarus Protect Current Regimes... "Summit Meeting Within Weeks"

President Putin to Hold Summit with President Lukashenko Within Weeks
Anti-Government Protests Continue After Election on the 9th
Protesters Surround President on Lukashenko's Birthday

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Amid weeks of anti-government protests in Belarus, President Aleksandr Lukashenko of Belarus and President Vladimir Putin of Russia have agreed to hold a summit within weeks. Despite Russia's active support, including plans to dispatch security personnel and scheduling the summit, Belarusian anti-government protesters continue to demand President Lukashenko's resignation.

Belarusian citizen protesting against the police
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 30th (local time), the Russian Presidential Palace announced, "President Putin and President Lukashenko agreed during a phone call to hold a meeting in Moscow within weeks." Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson, stated, "The two leaders decided to further strengthen their alliance and expand cooperation in all fields." President Putin also extended birthday congratulations to President Lukashenko on his birthday that day.

Russia is making every effort to support the Lukashenko regime both materially and morally. Earlier, in an interview with the TV channel 'Rossiya-1,' President Putin said, "We have formed a reserve force composed of Russian security agency personnel to restore order amid the chaos in the neighboring country," adding, "We will intervene if necessary."

Although Russia, which wields the strongest influence over Belarus, has actively supported President Lukashenko, public opposition continues.

According to foreign media, on the same day, citizens in various places including Minsk, the capital of Belarus, shouted "Happy birthday, you rat" while waving the old Belarusian flag. These protesters gathered at President Lukashenko's residence, demanding his resignation on his birthday.

President Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus for 26 years, has not expressed any intention to engage in dialogue with the citizens. He denied any election fraud and claimed that the protesters are supported by Western forces. Lukashenko's side also asserted that only about 20-30% of the protesters are opposing the president.

The Belarusian Ministry of Internal Affairs announced that at least 140 citizens were arrested during weekend protests. In Belarus, after President Lukashenko won a landslide victory with over 80% in the presidential election on the 9th of this month, allegations of election fraud were raised. Citizens have continued protests mainly on weekends, demanding Lukashenko's resignation or a re-election.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.