Belarus’ Lukashenko courts Moscow and Beijing as Ukraine tensions simmer

AI Summary

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko visited Russia and China amid rising tensions with Ukraine, reaffirming strong ties with both President Vladimir Putin and President Xi Jinping. The visits reflected Belarus' strategic alignment and support from China for Belarus' sovereignty.

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has visited Russia and then China following a series of public exchanges with Ukraine, meeting President Xi Jinping in Beijing and Russian President Vladimir Putin at his Valdai residence. Lukashenko told Xi that being in China was for him “like coming home”, Belarusian journalists accompanying the delegation reported on Monday. Xi said China supported Belarus in preserving its state sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, according to...