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"On Point"
MINSK, 6 August (BelTA) – The meeting between Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Valaam Island demonstrated unity in approaches and determination to defend their interests, Elena Ponomareva, Doctor of Political Science, Professor at MGIMO (Moscow State Institute of International Relations), said in the latest episode of the V Teme [On Point] project on BelTA’s YouTube channel.
Meeting between Aleksandr Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin took place on Valaam Island, Lake Ladoga, on 1 August. Commenting on its main outcome, Elena Ponomareva noted: “This is a demonstration of unity in approaches and determination to defend their interests, with full commitment to protect their nations by any means necessary.”
The political expert emphasized that time and place always carry great significance in politics. “Both were particularly symbolic this time. Though we've seen other meetings, Valaam remains a sacred and meaningful place of spiritual strength for our peoples. The date was also significant: 1 August marks Russia’s Day of Remembrance for soldiers who fell in World War I (1914-1918). Russia entered the war on 1 August 1914 under immense pressure from external “allies.” It is no coincidence that the Russian president, opening the meeting, noted that the leaders were in a special place that houses, among other things, a memorial church for warriors who died for the Fatherland. Naturally, he linked this to the battles the country is fighting today to defend its history, sovereignty, and, above all, its future. Those who gave their lives for the Motherland also sanctify our warriors of today,” Elena Ponomareva said.
The professor also highlighted another distinctive feature of the meeting – its nature as a private visit. “It was announced as unofficial. Unlike state or official visits, it did not require interaction with the press. Yet the leaders deliberately planned it, meaning there were messages that needed publicity.” She added that Aleksandr Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin always engage with the press in an open and unpretentious manner.
Meeting between Aleksandr Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin took place on Valaam Island, Lake Ladoga, on 1 August. Commenting on its main outcome, Elena Ponomareva noted: “This is a demonstration of unity in approaches and determination to defend their interests, with full commitment to protect their nations by any means necessary.”
The political expert emphasized that time and place always carry great significance in politics. “Both were particularly symbolic this time. Though we've seen other meetings, Valaam remains a sacred and meaningful place of spiritual strength for our peoples. The date was also significant: 1 August marks Russia’s Day of Remembrance for soldiers who fell in World War I (1914-1918). Russia entered the war on 1 August 1914 under immense pressure from external “allies.” It is no coincidence that the Russian president, opening the meeting, noted that the leaders were in a special place that houses, among other things, a memorial church for warriors who died for the Fatherland. Naturally, he linked this to the battles the country is fighting today to defend its history, sovereignty, and, above all, its future. Those who gave their lives for the Motherland also sanctify our warriors of today,” Elena Ponomareva said.
The professor also highlighted another distinctive feature of the meeting – its nature as a private visit. “It was announced as unofficial. Unlike state or official visits, it did not require interaction with the press. Yet the leaders deliberately planned it, meaning there were messages that needed publicity.” She added that Aleksandr Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin always engage with the press in an open and unpretentious manner.
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