Lukashenko: Belarus's Opportunities for Cooperation with Russia Increased

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko noted Belarus had recently increased opportunities for cooperation with Russia. The head of state made this statement on August 24 during a meeting with Alexander Tsybulsky, Governor of Russia's Arkhangelsk Region, BelTA reports.

"Fortunately or unfortunately, our capabilities in Russia's direction have recently increased," Lukashenko said. "Today, we are forced to be on the front lines with you. There's no escaping that. Belarus's importance, given the events unfolding around us, is growing."

"We know the role we must play in this world. The success of this role will largely depend on our relations with the Russian Federation," the President noted. "So far, everything is going well. We are managing to both warn and deter our potential adversaries—let's say not enemies yet, but opponents. They understand that we are not asleep here. And even if we are, we see what we need to see anyway."