Visit to Valaam

Source : en.kremlin.ru – August 1, 2025

http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/77637

Abonnez-vous au canal Telegram Strategika pour ne rien rater de notre actualité

Pour nous soutenir commandez les livres Strategika : “Globalisme et dépopulation” , « La guerre des USA contre l’Europe » et « Société ouverte contre Eurasie 

Vladimir Putin and President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko visited the Smolensk Skete of the Valaam Transfiguration of the Saviour stauropegial monastery.

The presidents attended a prayer service held in the Church of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God.

After that, Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko held a brief conversation, following which they answered media questions.

* * *

Question: Mr Putin, Mr Lukashenko, good afternoon.

Allow us to use this occasion to ask a few questions.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Yes, but first I would like to greet Mr Lukashenko once again.

President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko: Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: I would like to thank him for accepting my invitation to come here on such a day…

Alexander Lukashenko: I do what we agreed to do, every year.

Vladimir Putin: On this day, we commemorate all the warriors who have laid down their lives for the Fatherland. It is a memorable date for us, and it has become a tradition. We regularly meet here. Of course, we will also have an opportunity to discuss our current affairs.

The Government is working very actively. Our trade has exceeded $50 billion. That is a very significant achievement. There are many projects on the line in very important and promising areas. Of course, many questions arise with this amount of work. We will have an opportunity to discuss them.

Alexander Lukashenko: We will devote the weekend to discussions.

Mr Putin, you have said it correctly. When I was flying in, I thought that we have created a good tradition, with two Orthodox nations – and we as their representatives – meeting here every year, in this church which feels like home. As I approached this place, I thought that the Smolensk Skete is very nice, but there is no Belarusian skete here.

Vladimir Putin: It is our common asset.

Alexander Lukashenko: Yes.

Vladimir Putin: It was established in 1914.

Alexander Lukashenko: Yes, it was in 1914, and Smolensk is not far away. That is why we will give this a thought. There is enough space here.

Vladimir Putin: You are welcome.

Alexander Lukashenko: We could build a small church. We will think about it, since there is a good road leading to this place. Many Belarusians come here, because both our nations share the same Orthodox faith. Thank you for creating this good tradition.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you.

Question: Mr Putin, we have a question regarding the third round of talks which took place in Istanbul. You have not shared your comments so far. Could you give us an insight into whether Kiev responded to the proposals put forward in Istanbul to set-up three online working groups? Overall, what is your assessment of the way these talks have been advancing and their future? There is another point I wanted to raise too. Not long ago, just the other day, Zelensky said – this could have even been today – that holding talks with Russia does not make any sense and that they had to wait for the regime to change.

Vladimir Putin: As a matter of principle, waiting is an option if the Ukrainian leadership believes that this is not the right time and that they must wait. Be my guests – we are ready to wait. This is my first point.

Second, it is the Constitution of the Russian Federation that defines our political regime, while the existing authorities operate within the strict confines of our country’s Constitution. This is not the case for Ukraine. I will not go into details right now, but today’s authorities in Ukraine do not derive their powers from the Ukrainian Constitution. It is obvious that they have violated the Constitution, but having said that, I will not elaborate on this matter.

As for the talks, they are always relevant and important, especially if their goal is to bring about peace. My overall assessment is quite positive. How could it be otherwise if hundreds of people were able to return home? This is a positive development. As you know, Russia has handed over thousands of dead Ukrainian soldiers on humanitarian grounds, and has received several dozen bodies of our men who sacrificed their lives for their Motherland in response. No one would argue that this was not a positive development, right? Of course, this is something positive.

As for the question of whether someone is disappointed, all the disappointment stems from heightened expectations. This is a general rule we all know. That said, to settle an issue by peaceful means, you need to hold detailed talks instead of creating publicity. The way forward is to ensure that the negotiating process is private and confidential. This is why Russia suggested creating three groups as you have mentioned. Overall, Ukraine’s response was quite positive. We agreed that we can hold these talks without cameras and without making all this political noise by working in a calm environment while searching for compromises. These groups have yet to get down to business. They have not started their work so far, but overall we believe that the initial reaction from Ukraine was rather positive. For this reason, we expect this process to get off the ground.

Question: I have a follow-up question. A year ago, you articulated the terms for a lasting truce. Are they still on the table?

Vladimir Putin: Of course, it goes without saying that these conditions have not changed. In fact, these were objectives, rather than conditions, since I explained what Russia wanted to achieve. Before that, we kept hearing that it was unclear what Russia wanted. This is why we set forth these objectives in June 2024 at the meeting with the Foreign Ministry’s senior officials. Everything is clear in this regard, and the core message here is that we must eliminate the root causes of this crisis. This is the main objective.

Of course, there are humanitarian matters and broader security issues that pertain to both Russia and Ukraine. By the way, the Ukrainian delegation told us that it could make sense to discuss security for both Russia and Ukraine in the context of a pan-European security framework. One of the senior members of the Ukrainian delegation voiced this opinion. Overall, we believe that this makes sense, and we share this view.

As for humanitarian matters, they have to do with the Russian language, ensuring independence and providing an adequate environment for the Orthodox Church and the Christian faith in Ukraine. All these matters form a single whole and must be discussed considering their intertwined nature in order to lay the foundation for an enduring, lasting peace without any specific time limits.

Question: Mr Lukashenko, Mr Putin, I cannot but ask you about the latest developments, which include unrelenting sanctions imposed on Russia by the West, and the EU literally pumping out one package after another with 18 sanctions packages already in place and counting. My question is whether the Union State is going to adjust its strategy in any way? Are we going to respond and adjust our anti-sanctions strategy?

Alexander Lukashenko: We have adjusted everything we needed to adjust. If someone shut a door in our face, there are many other doors around the world that remain open. Russia and Belarus made a dramatic pivot today. I believe, over time, the world will appreciate what we did. What we did was unimaginable in the early 2020s, but we did it, turned things around, and we live and will continue to live. No one will ever bring us to our knees. We are determined to uphold our interests. Russia is a treasure trove of minerals and technologies. We need some time to let doubting individuals at home and elsewhere know what we are capable of.

You are aware of yesterday’s meeting with the diplomats, where I said that sanctions didn’t exist. There is no such thing as sanctions – period. There’s nothing to talk about. As soon as we mention sanctions, slackers grab the opportunity and start saying that working under sanctions is a challenge. There is no such thing as sanctions. Sanctions are all about opportunities. I think Russia has an even better understanding of what it means and acts accordingly. We have your back like I said yesterday. Do not worry about the sanctions.

I fully support someone asking President Putin about the talks and where he stands on the issue of talks. That is a very good question. The President said that talks must be held regardless of the ongoing war. The Americans fought in Vietnam thousands of miles away from home and engaged in talks from day one. The Ukrainians are deluding themselves, as I see, as they demand the impossible. Things they are saying and what Russia is offering – as the President just mentioned – should be discussed at the negotiating table. There may be compromises, concessions, pivots, and turnarounds. As you accurately pointed out, speaking about things bluntly is for show, meaning that someone tends to talk rather than do actual work.

I talked in public about our mutual friend Donald Trump, who we worried a lot about, and his statement. I recall us wanting him to win. What we see now are deadlines of 50, 60, or 10 days. That is not the right way to approach politics. If he wants peace, he should step up carefully and in good faith. This is a military confrontation, and dictating things, especially to a nuclear power, is not the way to go. Listen, it’s just laughable.

I recently had a meeting with Americans. I told them flatly, since they are his close friends, to let the President know that it is important to take a careful and measured approach, and the parties can come to terms.

Alexander Lukashenko: They started talking about truce in the air again. I told them that Russia, President Putin, is interested in having it, but you are the ones who do not want it. Tell Zelensky to agree to it in order to stop aerial vehicles from falling on people’s heads. More recently, a drone carrying 59 kilogrammes of explosives packed with ball bearings hit a ten-storey apartment building in Belarus. Luckily, it did not detonate. This is a dangerous escalation. We need to put an end to this, and proceed with caution while doing so.

Russia continues to talk with Ukrainians in Istanbul. Remember, President Putin called to thank me? The talks continue in Belarus, and we are doing prisoner exchanges on the border. The Ukrainians opened the border crossing and resumed rail traffic. Things are moving along.

There was much ado about children. Russia said anyone willing is welcome to come and see for themselves. Talks are underway between the Russian and Ukrainian commissioners for children’s rights. Where did Russia go wrong? There is a war going on. Some children were left without adult supervision. They were fed and provided with clothes. And yet Russia was blamed for that. For what? Please let us talk. Exchanges are underway.

Vladimir Putin: It turned out the number of children was exaggerated.

Alexander Lukashenko: Of course, it was. Three or four children who had lost their parents were exchanged. That is all.

Vladimir Putin: During the talks in Istanbul, we requested the lists. None was given to us.

Alexander Lukashenko: There are no lists. It is all about building up pressure which is not helpful. All the parties need to do is sit down and talk regardless of where they stand.

Vladimir Putin: The first talks were held in Belarus.

Alexander Lukashenko: Three rounds were held. If they do not like Belarus, fine, President Putin and I discussed this. We can take the talks anywhere they please, even to the Moon. But we need to sit down and talk, rather than hurl rocks at each other.

“I want to meet with Putin!” What is the point of saying that? Set the stage and issue a statement instead. I told the Americans to get everything ready and then sit down and sign documents. Bring in Trump, Macron, or Starmer – whoever you want, but you need to set the stage for it first. Is it hard to understand that? I am sure they know everything, but since they are saying what they are saying, they do not really want it and are just putting on a show.

Question: If I may, one more question. You mentioned that there is always an extensive agenda between our countries and that you will be discussing it. Will you be discussing security matters?

In particular, perhaps there is already some clarity regarding Oreshnik? Both sides confirmed that Oreshnik would be deployed in Belarus, but maybe there are already some specifics?

Alexander Lukashenko: The specifics are that the military, though they are concrete people who are always in a hurry, wanted to deploy Oreshnik – meaning the Belarusian stance – somewhere next year. President Putin rightly said: this year, we must primarily complete these processes – construction, establishment, and so on. For now, we are not stepping back from this.

Vladimir Putin: No, we are not stepping back.

First, what I would like to say in this regard. We have produced the first serial Oreshnik system, the first serial missile – and it has already been delivered to the troops. Now the series is underway. That is the first point.

Second. Our specialists – both Belarusian military specialists and Russian experts – have selected a site for future positions, and work is currently underway to prepare these positions. So, most likely, we will finalise this matter by the end of the year.

Alexander Lukashenko: We are not rushing – we are working calmly; there is no need to race ahead. As soon as everything is ready, not just the positions. As you said, building them is straightforward. What is needed are combat equipment, warheads, and missiles – these are not cheap.

Vladimir Putin: And protecting this position.

Alexander Lukashenko: And protecting it – of course, it must be protected.

Vladimir Putin: Everything is proceeding according to plan.

Alexander Lukashenko: Do not worry about security.

Question: President Putin, how do you assess the current situation in the special military operation and the overall dynamics?

Vladimir Putin: Yesterday, as usual, I discussed these matters several times with the Defence Minister [Andrei Belousov] and the Chief of the General Staff [Valery Gerasimov], and knowing that we would be speaking to the press, I asked them myself. I said: “How should I answer a question like this – the situation in the special military operation?” The response was: “Please answer honestly.” Now they will see and recall this.

And what does “honestly” mean today? It means that our troops are advancing along the entire line of combat contact – the entire line: in the border zone, in the Donetsk People’s Republic, in the Lugansk People’s Republic, in the Zaporozhye Region, and in the Kherson Region – everywhere, on all sectors, more in some places, less in others, but with positive momentum. Thanks, of course, to the courage and heroism of our soldiers.

We are now in a place that has special significance, where a temple will be erected in memory of all our soldiers who have fallen throughout history in defence of the Fatherland. Today, however, our thoughts are with the participants in the special military operation. The positive momentum on the front lines is undoubtedly due to the courage of our soldiers who are currently advancing. We must also recognise those who gave their lives on the battlefield.

It was thanks to them that the conditions were created for our forces today to advance. This is a shared achievement, and in that sense, not a single loss has been in vain.

As for the current situation, the dynamics is clear. You may have heard reports that Chasov Yar, a sizeable and strategically important settlement, was captured. Some have already tried to dispute this information, claiming it does not reflect reality. I can assure you with full confidence: it is absolutely true. In fact, while the Defence Ministry announced this only yesterday, this town was captured several days ago.

Mop-up operations followed. Counterattacks may occur. Statements about this being false information only suggest that the highest political circles in Ukraine are not fully informed about the developments on the ground. That is their problem.

Let me repeat that overall dynamics are positive. Not long ago, our adversaries were confidently speaking of inflicting a “strategic defeat” on Russia. Today, their rhetoric has shifted: now, their singular and desperate goal is to halt our offensive at any cost, whether by offering incentives, or issuing threats, or supplying more equipment and personnel to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Their goal is to stop the advance first, and only then address these issues of rebuilding their military.

To reiterate, we are seeking a lasting and sustainable peace built on fundamentally sound principles that would serve the interests of Russia and Ukraine and ensure the security of both countries. Perhaps, those voices on the Ukrainian side who – albeit cautiously – are beginning to raise the idea of dialogue, are right in suggesting that we must begin to consider the issue of European security in general.

Question: Minsk and Moscow are increasingly often talking about peace and their commitment to overcoming all challenges. All we are hearing from the West is the language of diktats and ultimatums. The EU and the United States admitted that the most recent deal was a disgrace for Europe. Where will the tariff diktat, ultimatums, and trade wars take the global economy? Are we going to be affected?

Alexander Lukashenko: Russia’s leadership recently made an astute statement that if continued this policy would lead Europe to deindustrialisation. It already has, in fact.

Vladimir Putin: It is in process.

Alexander Lukashenko: The process continues. They will destroy Europe, the European Union. The word is that the Americans may have weakening this centre of power in mind. After all, the EU was not a weak organisation. That is exactly what will happen.

Instead of clashing with us head-on – I mentioned this many times – they should have stood with us. Together, the EU and Russia would form a formidable force. The Americans would never let that happen, though. That would be far worse for them than China. Had such a union been formed, it would have represented an unparalleled global force. But they do not understand that. Or, perhaps they just do not need it.

When I am looking at these leaders… I will not say a thing about them in President Putin’s presence, but some of them are outgoing politicians aka lame ducks, while others have just taken office and are already polling below 20 percent. The people do not like this policy. Why do people in Europe not like this policy? The main reason is because of their stance on Ukraine. Their own citizens are sinking into poverty, while hundreds of billions – even trillions – are spent on weapons and aid to Ukraine. I am not sure, but it just looks wrong.

Vladimir Putin: You know, not long ago, political analysts and figures from the political circles used to say that the EU was an economic powerhouse, but a political dwarf. These words are not mine, and I am not seeking to offend anyone. We know that from Western sources. But – and I have said this before – sovereignty is a critical factor. It has always been important, but it is particularly important today. Sovereignty plays a key role in the economy and elsewhere.

Clearly, the EU, Europe, lacked genuine sovereignty. Today, it can be clearly seen that they have none at all. Lack of sovereignty in a critical situation like today inevitably leads to economic losses. The loss of political sovereignty inevitably leads to loss of economic sovereignty, and huge losses.

That is why I have always said that strengthening Russia’s sovereignty is one of the special military operation’s key objectives.

Question: The subject of Ukraine is raised this way or another in all the questions. The recent scandals related to the anticorruption agencies that we saw in Ukraine, what was it all about? How can you comment on what happened?

Vladimir Putin: Mr Lukashenko, how can you comment on this?

Alexander Lukashenko: You know, I kept thinking about it for a while. Well, the West is exerting pressure on Zelensky, and I am observing it and thinking: what did Zelensky want? He has taken billions, hundreds of billions. The West says: well, we want to know where this money goes and suggested establishing an anticorruption agency and an anticorruption prosecutor’s office. That is, if we are speaking of sovereignty.

He took the money, and those who gave it to him said: we want to see how [you spent it]. They agreed. They just woke up to it. Perhaps, they want to run elections or something else. This is for the people. They tried it, but the West got its mind right quick and said no. Two days or so later it said no. It took Rada two hours to cancel everything. He signed the law.

What sovereignty? No sovereignty at all. And there is no need for indignation: you took the money and the one who gave it to you wanted to know how you – a state without sovereignty – spent it. You know where the money went. People have built posh palaces in the French Riviera and elsewhere, and enjoy life. Some of them are sizing up the Presidential office in Ukraine. It is a charade. There is no better word to describe it.

The loss if sovereignty and independence underlies all of that.

Vladimir Putin: Corruption is a negative societal phenomenon, which is characteristic of many, if not all, countries. There is nothing unusual about it. The question is about the extent of corruption and society’s ability to combat it. What is society’s readiness and ability to combat corruption? It means that society itself should be capable of fighting corruption.

And if society can influence such processes, it is part of democracy. Democracy cannot be brought in from outside, just like you cannot fight corruption from the outside, especially if it is done by those who themselves are haunted by the same scourge. You think Europe or the United States are corruption-free? True, it has been legalised there. They have created an institute of lobbyism. What is it about? They give money to government officials of all levels. That is it. That is corruption, too.

Here it is clear that Ukraine is a country where corruption has indeed become overwhelming. Can it be combated from the outside? President Lukashenko noted that various agencies were created – yet they are not subordinate to local authorities: neither the president, nor the parliament, nor anyone else. This is an external institution.

Consider what was just said – can democracy, including anti-corruption institutions, be imposed from outside? When were these institutions established in Ukraine? In 2015. What year is it now? 2025.

Alexander Lukashenko: In short, they have triumphed over it.

Vladimir Putin: Of course! And so what? Ten years have passed, and everyone around the world is shouting at the top of their lungs: “Help! Ukraine is drowning in corruption!” Yes, that is the case. But the efficiency of externally imposed institutions is zero.

The focus should not be on forcing external governance institutions upon the people – in this case, the Ukrainian people – but on helping them stand on their own feet, to create these institutions themselves.

It is impossible for people to elect a president and parliament yet have no influence over the processes occurring in society. This is a humiliating state. A complete absence of sovereignty.

Indeed, quite right, they attempted to change something, to reclaim at least some sovereignty. When those at the top disapproved – they whistled, snapped their fingers, and everything was immediately reversed. It would have been better to do nothing at all. If they had stayed put, excuse me, sitting quietly – everything would have been on the sly and smooth. Instead, they only brought shame upon themselves.

But the very idea that it is necessary to reclaim at least some sovereignty is, naturally, correct – there is no disputing that.

Let us conclude, otherwise we will be here with you until evening.

Question: I would like to clarify something regarding the negotiation process on Ukraine. It is progressing slowly and with difficulty. In this context – President Lukashenko has already touched upon this – but nevertheless: is Belarus prepared to provide any assistance, and is this needed by Russia at present?

Alexander Lukashenko: We agreed long ago with President Putin – if needed, he will always say so, involving Belarus in the process, or processes.

Today – as I just mentioned, they reached agreements in Istanbul. Key issues include the exchange of prisoners of war, the wounded, and so on… I called the President of Russia and explained that we treat everyone equally. He supports this. The people – both Ukrainians and Russians – are warriors. Some are wounded, some face other hardships… Those in urgent need of medical care are immediately hospitalised. And there are such people.

This concerns not only prisoners of war but also the repatriation of the deceased. The Ukrainians trust no one. So, roughly speaking, let Belarusians handle the transfer of remains – only Belarusians. Railway tracks were restored to bring refrigerated wagons there. Still, only Belarusians may take the helm of those locomotives and move the refrigerated wagons back and forth.

We searched for personnel, even had to involve Afghan War veterans who fought in Afghanistan, and found railway workers experienced in this. The Russians asked us; the Ukrainians agreed – so we are doing it. If further assistance is required, a respective offer will follow.

President Putin made an absolutely correct point – and I fully share this view – regarding Chasov Yar. We are completely informed about the situation there – this is indeed the case. I do not know whether perhaps on the outskirts some houses remain uncleared – I cannot speak to the current status today.

Vladimir Putin: There are none left there.

Alexander Lukashenko: But Chasov Yar constitutes the road to Kramatorsk, effectively the centre of the special military operation in Ukraine. And what comes next? Why am I saying this? Ukraine today should urgently be requesting the President of Russia: “Let us sit down at the negotiating table, let us reach an agreement.” Otherwise, within a month, or month and a half, two months – I cannot say precisely – there will not even be defensive structures remaining. The Russians will gradually bite off, seize and advance further, reclaiming territory.

Vladimir Putin: We will regain it. It is ours.

Alexander Lukashenko: The Russians will regain it. Therefore, an agreement must be reached. If they want something, they must run towards it.

Because beforehand – it was clear we would discuss this topic – I gathered all frontline information and additionally coordinated it with your military. Our assessments completely coincide on all points, even in the Sumy Region where you seek to establish a buffer zone. Offensives are underway everywhere. Perhaps not rapidly, maybe slowly. Why slowly – I asked President Putin? He said: “I value human life.”

This is correct: slowly but steadily. Far fewer lives are being lost compared to, you know, the Great Patriotic War when hundreds of thousands were thrown into battle and perished. In Poland alone, 600,000 of our people died, Soviet citizens. There is no such scale of warfare in Ukraine – it proceeds quietly, calmly. But this provides Ukrainians an opportunity to say: “Listen, let us sit down and agree.” Yet they do not want this.

Vladimir Putin: Regarding Ukraine’s participation in the negotiation process, we are very grateful to President Lukashenko and Belarus as a whole for the support and assistance that Belarus and the President of Belarus provide us.

We maintain constant contact. I regularly inform Mr Lukashenko about the outcomes of this negotiation process. All our exchanges occur on Belarusian territory. The negotiation process began there in 2022, then relocated to Istanbul – where we continue.

We know the position of the President of Belarus, the entire Belarusian leadership, and indeed the Belarusian people who strive for peace to be established more swiftly between our two countries – between Russia and Ukraine. President Lukashenko is taking the most direct and active role in this. Thank you.

Question: A very powerful earthquake occurred in Kamchatka, and footage circulated worldwide showing doctors continuing surgeries despite the dangerous situation threatening their lives. Many believe these doctors deserve awards, while others consider they were simply fulfilling their duty. Will you award them?

Vladimir Putin: One may fulfil one’s duty in different ways. These doctors fulfilled theirs with dignity and heroism. Of course, they deserve state awards.

Governor [Vladimir Solodov] recently briefed me on the situation in Kamchatka. Let me remind you that years ago we worked to reinforce buildings and structures in Kamchatka precisely because of its location in a dangerous seismic zone, improving communication systems there. I hope this too has played its role, since there are no serious destructions or casualties – which is excellent.

Regarding the doctors you mentioned, I have already given my assessment. I assure you we have many specialists who fulfil their duty to the people most admirably, and we always strive to respond appropriately by providing state recognition, expressed through state awards among other means.

Thank you.