Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko met on Russia's Valaam Island and held high-level negotiations. After that, on August 1, they answered journalists' questions while sitting on a bench. During the conversation, the main thoughts related to the international situation, the war in Ukraine, economic changes in Europe and issues of sovereignty were raised. Meduza presented the main quotes.
Putin: Our regime is based on the Constitution, but you can’t say that about Ukraine. Negotiations are always important. As for someone’s disappointment, disappointment comes from excessive expectations. The goals announced by Russia in the summer of 2024 remain unchanged.
Lukashenko: We made a serious economic turnaround in the face of sanctions. The world has yet to assess this. No one will bring us to our knees. Negotiations are a good thing. The Americans fought in Vietnam and also held negotiations. Ukraine is demanding something impossible. What did Russia do wrong? It fed and clothed homeless children. Now they accuse Russia!
Putin: It turned out there weren’t that many children there!
Lukashenko: Of course, three or four children. The situation is being aggravated, this does not bring benefit. We must come to an agreement. If you don't want to come to Belarus — at least to the Moon, wherever! Zelensky, why are you shouting that you want to meet with Putin? First prepare and sign. Call Trump, Macron, Starmer, whoever you want!
Putin: Everything is fine in the special military operation. The dynamics are clear, we recently took Chasov Yar. Previously, our enemies said it was necessary to achieve a strategic defeat of Russia. Now they want at least to stop the offensive. But we need a firm peace.
Lukashenko: Deindustrialization in Europe has already begun. They say this is the goal of the Americans. But they needed to be with us, the European Union and Russia — that would be a huge force. That would be a power, more terrible than China.
Putin: It is obvious that the European Union has no sovereignty at all. And this leads to huge losses.
Lukashenko: The West is putting pressure on Zelensky, but what did he want? He took billions of money, now those who gave it are saying: "Show us where the money was spent!" There is no sovereignty at all! Chaos!
Putin: Corruption is characteristic of all countries. But you can’t fight it from the outside, especially if those outside are suffering themselves. In the EU and the US, corruption is completely legalized! Lobbyism, what is that anyway? The anti-corruption bureaus in Ukraine do not report to the local authorities! When people don’t influence processes in the country, it’s a humiliating state. They tried to return part of their sovereignty, but as soon as there was a whistle from above, everything immediately went back. They just disgraced themselves.
Lukashenko: Again about Chasov Yar — this is the road to Kramatorsk. Now Ukraine must ask Russia to come to an agreement. If not, the Russians will gradually bite off, occupy, take back everything and move forward.
Putin: They’ll take it back! This is ours...
Lukashenko: Yes… they’ll take it back, ha-ha. We must agree. They need to hurry to agree. Because Russia is advancing everywhere.
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