Russian President Vladimir Putin may address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine during a joint news conference with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday, depending on the questions posed by reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated. The conference will follow high-level talks between Russia and Belarus, which are expected to cover bilateral relations and regional cooperation.
Speaking to Russian news agency TASS, Peskov emphasized that while the primary focus of the discussions is on Russia-Belarus ties, reporters’ questions could steer the conversation toward broader geopolitical matters, including the war in Ukraine. “Everything will depend on what reporters will ask,” Peskov said when asked if the topic of Ukraine would be addressed.
The possibility of Putin commenting on Ukraine comes in the wake of recent diplomatic developments involving Kyiv and Washington. On March 11, Ukrainian and US officials held negotiations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to explore potential agreements regarding the war. A joint statement released after the talks revealed that Ukraine was open to implementing a 30-day ceasefire and signing a minerals deal with Washington. In return, the US pledged to resume military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv, which had previously been scaled back due to concerns over the war’s progression.
Russia is closely monitoring these negotiations and expects to be briefed by Washington on the outcomes. The Kremlin has long accused the US and its allies of fueling the conflict by supplying weapons to Ukraine and supporting its military operations against Russian forces. Moscow’s reaction to the proposed ceasefire and minerals agreement will likely shape future diplomatic engagements and military strategies in the region.
The meeting between Putin and Lukashenko underscores the importance of Belarus as Russia’s closest ally. Belarus has played a strategic role in the conflict, allowing Russian troops to use its territory for military operations. Lukashenko has repeatedly voiced support for Moscow’s position on Ukraine while maintaining diplomatic engagements with other global powers.
As tensions between Russia and the West continue, Putin’s remarks at Thursday’s news conference could provide crucial insights into Moscow’s stance on the evolving geopolitical landscape. The world will be watching closely for any signals on Russia’s next steps in the conflict.
