Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko met on the historic Valaam Island, located on Lake Ladoga in Russia’s Republic of Karelia.
The high-profile meeting took place at the revered Skete of Smolensky, part of the Valaam Monastery—an influential Orthodox Christian site under the direct jurisdiction of the Russian Patriarchate and known as the “Monastery of the Holy Transfiguration.”
The two leaders greeted each other warmly near the entrance to the Smolensk priory, where they attended a brief prayer service at the temple dedicated to the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God. President Lukashenko, acknowledging the significance of the venue and timing, remarked, “At proper time, in a proper place.”
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Following the service, Putin and Lukashenko addressed members of the press, outlining the importance of their discussions and the depth of cooperation between their countries. President Putin highlighted that the bilateral trade turnover between Russia and Belarus has now exceeded $50 billion, reflecting the scale and significance of their economic relationship.
“There are plenty of projects in very important and promising areas,” Putin said. “Naturally, a lot of issues always emerge considering this volume. We will have an opportunity to discuss all these matters.”
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