Remembrance lessons in Stalingrad, a meeting with Putin, and prospects for Astrakhan. The President's week in review

ALEXANDER LUKASHENKO during a meeting with the Governor of the Astrakhan Region of RUSSIA Igor Babushkin Alexander Lukashenko during a speech at the international patriotic forum of the Union State "Great Heritage - Common Future" Alexander Lukashenko during talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Volgograd Alexander Lukashenko during a meeting with the Governor of the Astrakhan Region of Russia Igor Babushkin Alexander Lukashenko during a speech at the international patriotic forum of the Union State "Great Heritage - Common Future" Alexander Lukashenko during talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Volgograd Alexander Lukashenko during a meeting with the Governor of the Astrakhan Region of Russia Igor Babushkin

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The President of Belarus 's work schedule is always quite eventful. Alexander Lukashenko holds meetings and working sessions on the most pressing issues of national development, regularly visits the regions, makes foreign visits and receives foreign guests himself, speaks with journalists, and signs decrees and laws. Even when there are no public events, this doesn't mean the HEAD of state is idle. However, even during downtime, be it hockey practice or chopping wood, Alexander Lukashenko occasionally finds an excuse to deliver another order. As he likes to say, one must live by life in everything.

The "President's Week" project is for those who want to keep up with the head of state and stay informed about the most relevant statements and decisions of the Belarusian leader.

The main event of the week was Alexander Lukashenko's visit to Russia, specifically Volgograd, renowned for the heroism of the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Stalingrad during the Great Patriotic War. On the eve of the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, an international patriotic forum of the Union State was held there, which the President of Belarus participated in together with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. The Belarusian head of state spoke about the importance of preserving historical truth, literally calling for it.
A separate meeting between the presidents of Belarus and Russia also took place in Volgograd. The heads of state took the opportunity to summarize and discuss important issues of the Union State agenda, interaction on the international stage, and outline new areas of cooperation. They discussed [these issues], which may differ in each country, but the important thing is that the ideas behind them are always common and unified.
The Belarusian-Russian theme continued upon Alexander Lukashenko's return to MINSK . A meeting with Igor Babushkin, Governor of the Astrakhan Region, was held at the Palace of Independence. The main point is that Belarus is seeking to supply its goods to this Russian region and is interested in increasing cargo transshipment volumes through Astrakhan ports. It turns out that the interests of both parties coincide on both issues. Labor Day
is always the first of the May holidays . Addressing his compatriots, Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that peaceful and creative labor, the foundation of the Belarusian people's lives, is a universal recipe for prosperity and harmony. Four customs officers who processed the largest shipment of explosives in Belarus's history into the EAEU received medals and letters of gratitude from the President of Belarus. This week, Alexander Lukashenko congratulated UN Secretary-General António Guterres on his birthday. The head of state assured that Minsk will consistently support efforts and initiatives aimed at resolving and preventing conflicts and deepening cooperation between UN member states in overcoming global challenges and threats. The President addressed To Lam, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and Luong Cuong, President of Vietnam, on the 50th anniversary of the liberation of South Vietnam and the reunification of the country. Alexander Lukashenko noted that he looks forward to To Lam's visit to Minsk, which will contribute to the transition of bilateral relations to a qualitatively new level. Another foreign







A congratulatory message was addressed to Israeli President Isaac Herzog on the occasion of Independence Day. The head of state noted that Belarus and Israel share close historical ties, as many prominent Jewish figures who contributed to the creation of modern Israel were born and educated on Belarusian soil.

Alexander Lukashenko also congratulated Brice Clotaire Oligi Nguema on his election as President of the Gabonese Republic. The head of state noted that Belarus is ready to offer its experience and expertise, which will contribute to improving food security and the well-being of the citizens of this African country.

MOTHERLAND. How Lukashenko's visit to Volgograd went

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko's one-day working visit to Russia on April 29 was brief, but no less significant. Volgograd, formerly Stalingrad, is a historic and, for many, truly sacred place. Here, through the heroic efforts of the peoples of the Soviet Union in the bloody battles of the Battle of Stalingrad, the Wehrmacht was defeated and the Great Victory, the 80th anniversary of which will be celebrated in less than a week, was brought closer. Back then, on the banks of the Volga, the fate of humanity was decided and the course of world history was determined.

The international patriotic forum of the Union State, "Great Heritage - Common Future," was held in the hero city to coincide with this milestone anniversary. The Belarusian President participated in it together with his Russian counterpart.
But Alexander Lukashenko began his visit at the city's most iconic site – the "Heroes of the Battle of Stalingrad" historical memorial complex on Mamayev Kurgan. The presidents laid wreaths in the Hall of Military Glory and flowers at the grave of Marshal of the Soviet Union Vasily Chuikov, the legendary commander of the 62nd Army, renowned for its heroic six-month defense of Stalingrad. At the forum, the president quoted the commander's poignant words: "We, living participants in the battle for Stalingrad, testify that here our soldiers knew no fear in battle, did not retreat before death, fought with such determination that even the dead did not let go of their weapons…" Thousands of people from across the Soviet Union, including Belarus, defended Stalingrad. Among them was Belarusian Alexei Vashchenko, who blocked the embrasure of an enemy pillbox with his body. A street in today's Volgograd bears his name.
Later, during talks with Vladimir Putin, the Belarusian leader noted that he had visited the city both during Soviet times and as president. "An impressive place. It's impossible not to tremble here," he emphasized. "When you stand by this monument (on Mamayev Kurgan - BelTA note), we were still inside with you - it's a grandiose thing. It's indescribable. I am grateful that thanks to your invitation I am here again, on our sacred land, where Belarusians, Russians and all the peoples of the Soviet Union stood to the death."
Alexander Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin will meet again very soon - on May 9 at the Victory Day Parade in Moscow. The Russian leader told his Belarusian counterpart, and the President of Belarus confirmed that attending the parade in Moscow is indeed part of his plans. Later on this holiday, a parade will also take place in Minsk.

On part of the national idea and the task of "sinking our teeth" into historical memory
"In Belarus, we are actively promoting in society the understanding that the memory of the Great Victory is . We are trying to do everything so that our children"We remembered that this Victory firmly connects us with all our peoples, the Russian people, and all the peoples of the former Soviet Union," the head of state emphasized. "We cannot lose this. Because together we are not just powerful, we are the most powerful force. And we will never be defeated. The Great Victory is sacred. The truth about the Great Patriotic War is our shield. Holding it in our hands is a great honor and responsibility. And we must remember this."

Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that the heirs of the great generation of victorious heroes have nothing to be ashamed of or hide. However, this status also carries significant responsibilities and irritates many. "We are confronted by the descendants of the defeated supporters of the Third Reich. We are talking about this more and more," the head of state noted. "Western 'experts' on Belarusian history, as well as on our Soviet, Russian, and other Russian histories, write that we speak too pompously about our heroes, exaggerating the scale of their heroism."
The president also noted that the Belarusian prosecutor's office has been perpetrating genocide against the Belarusian people for several years now. New crimes are continually being uncovered—thousands of women, the elderly, and children burned and tortured alive.
Alexander Lukashenko noted that while the older generation grew up on the stories of their parents (frontline soldiers and those who survived the occupation), the generation of the 1990s faces a more difficult time – the worldview of the "children of perestroika" was formed during the height of revanchist propaganda. Therefore, the President calls for raising the younger generation on the truth – newsreels, photographs, and historical facts, even though looking at them often makes one want to close one's eyes. But this is crucial to protecting historical memory.

"This is not the time to dwell on the traumatized psyches of children who might see these horrific images and videos that we often show," the Belarusian leader emphasized. "And how can we explain to them why we are desperately fighting for this historical memory today? They must see the truth and draw the appropriate conclusions with our help. How are they supposed to understand why our soldiers, partisans, and underground fighters gave their lives for the country without a second thought? It's more difficult for us than for the post-war generation, because more than 80 years have passed. The nerve of that era is gone…"
Alexander Lukashenko called for a literal grasp of historical memory, also because "there is a war going on all around us for the minds and heads of our people." "And what if, suddenly, we have to fight for our land, for our families, for our children, just as they did. Sparing neither our lives nor anything we have… That's why we talk about this historical memory, and not because we feel like talking. As soon as we forget the path to Khatyn, Stalingrad, the Brest Fortress, it will all return again, instantly, without us even noticing," the President said.

On outstanding results and a good tradition.
After participating in the forum, Alexander Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin held a separate meeting to discuss the development of bilateral relations in various areas, including expanding industrial cooperation. The heads of state spoke face-to-face for four hours.

One promising area of ​​cooperation was aircraft manufacturing and the development of unmanned aerial vehicles. They also exchanged views on international issues.
Vladimir Putin highlighted the trade and economic ties between the two countries, with trade turnover exceeding $50 billion.
Alexander Lukashenko called it a good tradition to discuss relevant issues, both to spur the governments in their work, to set a trend in bilateral relations, and to facilitate the resolution of various issues. "Thank you for frequently calling each other to discuss urgent matters. We truly share a common understanding of the entire development process, and our international relations agenda is absolutely similar. We don't hide this, we don't twist it, we don't spin it," the Belarusian leader said.

He urged people not to be surprised that the presidents of Belarus and Russia meet frequently, inviting others to come, talk, and discuss how to build relations.

On the difference in ribbons, not ideas.
During a meeting with his Russian counterpart, Alexander Lukashenko addressed the use of St. George ribbons in Belarus. Certain circles are attempting to artificially inflate this issue and turn it into a source of discord in Belarusian-Russian relations.
The head of state recalled that in addition to the Immortal Regiment march, initiated by Russia and featuring the St. George ribbon as a symbol, young people in Belarus have initiated the annual "Belarus Remembers" campaign. Both events are held in parallel. "When you opened the Immortal Regiment march, we in Belarus took that path. But young people, alongside the St. George ribbons and the regiment's march, initiated the 'Belarus Remembers' campaign (BelTA note). And no one is banning St. George ribbons under any circumstances," the Belarusian leader emphasized. "I don't see anything wrong with someone wanting a St. George ribbon. Some want 'Belarus Remembers'—these signs (the national symbols of the march—BelTA note). They're marching together. No one is dividing anything there. Well, someone has to make some noise."
The Belarusian president advised his Russian counterpart to ignore isolated negative comments on the matter. "We have absolutely the same idea. You know our ideas, we know Russia's. This is one Fatherland, as I say, from Brest to Vladivostok," the head of state said. "Well, it wasn't our will that two states were formed here. And we must do everything to ensure that our relations in this Fatherland are even closer than in a unitary state."And we do a lot together."

Vladimir Putin, for his part, agreed that the symbols may be slightly different, but what's important is what lies behind them. "These symbols represent our shared history, our present, and our future. And we have a common future. Thank you very much for this position," Putin said.
This week, Alexander Lukashenko addressed this issue again at a meeting in Minsk on May 2 with Igor Babushkin, Governor of Russia's Astrakhan Region, which was also attended by Russian Ambassador Boris Gryzlov.

"Well, Vladimir Vladimirovich and I answered you about the ribbons," the head of state said, addressing the ambassador. "If you want ribbons (I told him too), go ahead; if you want our ribbons (Belarusian ones - BelTA note), go ahead. It's up to you. We're our own people. We don't wear swastikas like in Ukraine . You suggested it to us. We've made our decision on this matter. I think there should be some kind of difference."

The head of state is confident that in this matter, no one and nothing should be pitted against each other, but rather that we should be united.

"We'll walk together," Boris Gryzlov responded.

"Yes, that would be right. And let people decide for themselves. So, just so you know what we're talking about, since you (Boris Gryzlov - BelTA) once told me about this," the Belarusian leader added.

A NON-AMERICAN APPROACH. What Belarus wants to improve in cooperation with the Astrakhan Region.

On Friday, May 2, in Minsk, Alexander Lukashenko met with Igor Babushkin, Governor of Russia's Astrakhan Region. Astrakhan, like Volgograd, is located on the Volga River, just downstream.
Welcoming the regional governor, Alexander Lukashenko noted that Igor Babushkin has visited Belarus many times, knows the country and its capabilities well, and is therefore a "long-time welcome guest." "Whenever a governor from Russia comes to us again, I greatly appreciate it—it means they have questions here, and it means we can cooperate more deeply in certain areas. Therefore, I am very glad that you and your colleagues have come to Belarus, and we will do everything to ensure that the wishes you express are realized," the President assured.
"We will do everything we can for your region, and therefore for Russia," Alexander Lukashenko emphasized. "I promised this to President Putin, including during the talks in the Volgograd Region. For many reasons, we are obligated and must cooperate and move forward together to ensure our technological sovereignty (as is now fashionable to say). So that people understand that we can do things independently, we can do our own thing. We agreed on this with the President. Therefore, in this regard, we are ready, first and foremost, to work together with the Russian Federation."

Regarding the intention to balance the foreign trade balance
, the head of state, speaking about trade and economic cooperation with the Russian region, noted that it is currently not in Belarus's favor. "We will strive to balance the balance," the President said.

"No, we won't follow the American path, and neither will you," added Alexander Lukashenko, alluding to US President Donald Trump's recent decisions to significantly increase tariffs on a number of countries, which have been much discussed recently. "Thank God Donald has realized that economics doesn't work that way."
"We are ready to cooperate to increase the flow of our goods to your region and balance the trade balance," the head of state emphasized, outlining the main areas where the parties can develop cooperation.

On the supply of agricultural and passenger equipment
. Specifically, the discussion focused on increasing the range and volume of sales to the Astrakhan Region of Belarusian agricultural equipment and attachments for domestic tractors, which are used in significant quantities in the fields of this Russian region. It's logical that agricultural work requires plows and other tractor-trailer and attachment equipment, and Belarus is ready to offer a wide range of them.

"I must tell you that in terms of quality and price, we have no competitors in the Astrakhan region," the President noted.

According to him, there is demand for such products, especially from African countries, so there are no excess stockpiles. However, if necessary, Belarusian enterprises are ready to produce the volumes Russia requires. "We will always produce for Russia. Whether it's a third or fifth shift, we will always produce the necessary trailer equipment for tractors and agricultural machinery for you," said Alexander Lukashenko.
The President also mentioned the supply of passenger vehicles as another area for developing cooperation. "If you are interested in anything, show us, and we will work together to solve any problem," the Belarusian leader assured.

Regarding food exports,
the situation is similar with agricultural machinery and food supplies, including baby food. "We are always ready to supply you according to your orders," the President said.

Separately, Alexander Lukashenko touched upon the operation of one of Belarus' leading MILK processing plants, Babushkina Krynka, in the Astrakhan Region . The discussion focused on the construction of a milk processing plant in the region and the search for an investor for this project. "If you are still interested in this, please let us know what kind of investor you would like. We are ready to work, and Babushkina Krynka confirms this commitment," the head of state noted.

Regarding Belarusian elevators and escalators,
the President noted that, at the request of the Russian side, Belarus has significantly increased the volume of elevator and related equipment supplies. "All post-Soviet states are currently being re-equipped with elevator equipment (at that time, it was mainly from Russia and Belarus). We have preserved the plant. We can make for you, from elevators to escalators—anything you like," Alexander Lukashenko said. "You can be assured that we will continue to be of interest to you in this regard and will do everything to ensure that you receive this equipment."
Regarding land reclamation
, the President noted the Astrakhan Region's extensive experience in land reclamation. Belarus is also actively working in this area and is willing to both adopt best practices and share its own developments. "We are also, so to speak, a country of land reclamation specialists. We are working very seriously now. If there is a need, let us know, we will agree, and we will try to work with you and bring your experience to Belarus," Alexander Lukashenko said.

Regarding cargo transshipment at ports in the Astrakhan Region, the President expressed Belarus' interest in transporting cargo through ports in the Astrakhan Region. "We are interested. We are working with you on this matter. There is greater interest. If you support us, and if we have your consent, we will be happy to work through the Astrakhan ports," he noted. In turn, Igor Babushkin assured that the Astrakhan Region is ready to handle Belarusian cargo through its ports: "We have established the process of cargo transit through the ports of the Astrakhan Region. Today, our ports have the potential to handle 16 million tons of cargo. Our port workers have modernized their facilities to handle cargo transit from Belarus to Southeast Asia and the Persian Gulf. Cargo is coming in. This includes timber, paper , machinery, and fertilizer. And we are ready to significantly increase cargo transshipment volumes. The conditions for increasing cargo transshipment volumes are very clear, and we are discussing them within our joint working group."