Putin: External pressure on Belarus is unacceptable

“While discussing the tensions in Belarus, Vladimir Putin emphasized that it is unacceptable to intervene into the domestic affairs of Belarus and to put pressure on the Belarusian authorities. Both presidents confirmed their interest in the prompt resolution of the existing issues,” the press service noted.

Earlier on 18 August Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Angela Merkel. “The in-depth discussion focused on the post-election developments in Belarus. The Russian side stressed that any attempts to interfere in the country's domestic affairs from the outside leading to a further escalation of the crisis will be unacceptable. The two leaders expressed hope that the situation will return to normal soon,” the press service noted.

Vladimir Putin also had a telephone conversation with President of the European Council Charles Michel. “In the run-up to the EU summit the parties discussed the current state of affairs in Belarus,” the Kremlin press service said in a statement. “The Russian side expressed concern over the attempts of a number of states to put pressure on the leadership of the republic and to destabilize the domestic political situation in every possible way. The interest was expressed in preventing a confrontational scenario.”