At the talks in Sochi, Russian President Vladimir Putin will discuss joint energy projects and promotion of integration with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko.
“On the agenda are topical issues of further development of bilateral ties, the implementation of joint projects in the trade, economic, energy, cultural and humanitarian spheres, as well as the promotion of integration within the Union State”, – the Kremlin press service said.
Earlier, Lukashenko said that it will mainly focus on the economy.
The meeting is scheduled for May 28th. According to Putin’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov, this will be “a conversation that will continue over a working lunch.” There are no press statements on its results.
This will be Lukashenka’s third visit to Russia this year. It will take place against the background of the incident with the flight of the Irish company Ryanair, which urgently landed in Minsk due to the message about mining.
Belarusian human rights activists reported that this plane was flown by Roman Protasevich, the founder of the telegram channel Nexta, recognized by the authorities of the republic as extremist. He was detained. Earlier, a criminal case was opened against the journalist under several articles, including the organization of mass riots (punishment – up to 15 years in prison). The European Union has threatened Minsk with sanctions.
The Kremlin spokesman did not rule out that the leaders can discuss this topic at the meeting, if the Belarusian side wants it.