Aug. 28, 2026 kremlin.ru Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko will hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia this weekend, the Kremlin said Friday. “The talks are planned for Saturday,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the Interfax news agency. Lukashenko arrived in Russia on Thursday, with his office saying he and Putin will discuss “key areas of bilateral cooperation” and “pressing regional and international issues, as well as security matters.” Lukashenko is also scheduled to discuss Russian-Belarusian trade and economic cooperation with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Lukashenko hosted Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov on Tuesday in Minsk, where the sides discussed growing bilateral trade in the first half of 2026. Lukashenko’s regime remains heavily reliant on the Kremlin both economically and politically, and Belarus currently hosts a portion of Russia’s tactical nuclear weapons. Russia used Belarusian territory as a launching pad during the start of its 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Minsk has so far avoided direct involvement in the conflict, even as the two nations continue to deepen their military and economic ties. Lukashenko issued a public message on Monday congratulating the people of Ukraine on their Independence Day and expressing confidence that Minsk and Kyiv would eventually restore cooperation “despite geopolitical upheavals.” On Tuesday, Lukashenko ordered a snap combat readiness inspection of the Belarusian military. Read more about: Lukashenko , Putin Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Putin and Lukashenko Arrive in Volgograd for WWII Commemorations The two leaders also held a meeting to discuss their countries’ strategic partnership, during which they agreed to build a joint aircraft plant. 2 Min read Putin Arrives in Belarus to Talk Security, Tactical Nuclear Weapons Drills Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov also traveled to Minsk, arriving early Friday to meet with his Belarusian counterpart Viktor Khrenin. 1 Min read Putin Speaks to Allies in Belarus, Central Asia Amid Wagner Revolt The Russian leader was said to have updated his counterparts in Belarus, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on the rapidly unfolding situation inside Russia. 1 Min read Putin, Lukashenko Discuss Migrant Stand-Off on Poland-Belarus Border Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki later accused Putin of orchestrating the unprecedented wave of migrants trying to enter Poland from Belarus.
Russia
Adilet party leader elected speaker of Kazakhstan’s new parliament
• What happened: Aibek Dadebai, leader of the Adilet Party, was unanimously elected as the speaker of Kazakhstan's new unicameral parliament, the Kurultai,...