Lukashenko Dismisses Prospects of Belarus Joining Russia

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has firmly rejected the idea of his country joining Russia in the near future, as well as the reverse scenario. Speaking to the Federation Council of the Russian Federation, he warned that any hasty actions toward this goal could undermine the progress achieved in bilateral cooperation.

“We need to move gradually, step by step, and implement projects as we are currently doing—rather than banging on an open door,” Lukashenko stated, as reported by RIA Novosti.

Despite ruling out a formal union, Lukashenko assured that Moscow would not lose Minsk as an ally, provided it respects the unique characteristics and mentality of the Belarusian people. He reiterated Belarus’s commitment to a multi-vector foreign policy, which includes fostering relationships with China, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the European Union. However, should a choice arise, he confirmed that Moscow remains the priority.

“Belarus will never leave Russia alone, just as Russia will not abandon Belarus. It cannot be otherwise,” he declared, characterizing the ties between the two nations as “open and brotherly.”

These remarks come amid ongoing speculation regarding deeper integration within the Union State. In March 2025, the prime ministers of Belarus and Russia met in Moscow to discuss new economic agreements, including the unification of tax systems and a single energy market targeted for implementation by 2027. However, Lukashenko has consistently emphasized that Minsk is unwilling to sacrifice its sovereignty for closer integration.

In the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Belarus has positioned itself as a mediator. Following Trump’s call for a ceasefire on March 14, Minsk offered its territory for negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. However, this proposal has not been accepted by Ukraine, which has not recognized Lukashenko’s legitimacy since the contentious 2020 elections.