Belarus, Russia blame West for fueling Ukraine conflict

May 17, BPN. Belarus and Russia have reaffirmed their special relationship and common approach to key international issues, according to a joint statement signed by their foreign ministers in Moscow.

Belarus’ Siarhiej Alejnik and Russia’s Sergey Lavrov said their countries were building the Union State to have a common economy, security and humanitarian cooperation.

They blamed the West for fueling and prolonging the Ukrainian conflict, which “can be settled through political and diplomatic means.” Ukraine should become a neutral and non-aligned country and reject Nazism and militarism, they said.

The two diplomats called on the United States and NATO to reconsider their “destructive course,” de-escalate and be willing to respect Belarusian and Russian “inherent interests.”

They called for strengthening the role of the United Nations, and voiced concern over the West’s attempts to “subdue” it.

The two countries defend their information space from “destabilization” and are committed to “traditional” values, according to the statement, which also underscores the importance of the Russian language as the lingua franca in the region.

Moscow and Minsk are planning to continue their strategic partnership, integration and cooperation in the international arena.