Lukashenko emphasized the similarity and closeness of Slavic peoples, Belarusians and Russians

August 26, 2025

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, at a meeting with the Governor of the Vologda Region of Russia Georgy Filimonov on August 25, stated the similarity between the two Slavic peoples, Belarusian and Russian, a BELTA correspondent reports.

The head of state began his meeting with the head of the Russian region by mentioning the famous song by "Pesniary" - a Belarusian-Russian collective, as the President called it. Thanks to their composition "Vologda," many in Belarus and beyond associate this Russian city, region, and its residents with this song. "Partly thanks to the Russian-Belarusian, one might say, collective 'Pesniary,' you have become the most recognizable and closest people to Belarus. We are happy about this," said Alexander Lukashenko.

He explained why he called this collective as such and what role the history of its development played during the period after the collapse of the Soviet Union. "We had to revive this collective. Few people talk about it now. But in the times of rampant nationalism in Belarus (and it did flourish here for several years, a couple of years before the presidential election), some tried to abandon everything Russian. They abandoned it and tried to force the society to do the same. But, as you can see, society did not accept this message," the President emphasized.

Alexander Lukashenko recalled that at the beginning of his presidency, he met with the members of the collective and was well acquainted with Vladimir Mulyavin, who, during that difficult creative period, strongly asked for help to return to the stage. "Of course, we did everything to ensure that 'Pesniary' returned," said the head of state. He noted that the song "Vologda" performed by this collective is known and highly valued, loved both in the city itself, in the region, and in Belarus. "All of Russia and Belarus know and love the work of 'Pesniary,' including this seemingly simple, but great song. Indeed, all greatness lies in simplicity," the Belarusian leader noted.

Addressing Georgy Filimonov, the President remarked that this was his first visit to Belarus and that this could be considered a significant oversight. "This is not right. How can it be? We are neighbors, kindred spirits, and this is your first visit to us. But I believe this is just the beginning, and you will always find time to visit Belarus when you are in Moscow or somewhere closer to us," he added. "And not only to remind us of the great Vologda Oblast and of yourself (which is also important), but also to review how the agreements we reach are being implemented."

The Head of State assured that there should be no problems from the Belarusian side in this regard and drew attention to the key factors that ensure this cooperation is built on a solid foundation, is reliable, and long-term. "Firstly, it is gratitude to the governors for the cooperation we have today. Without you, this cooperation would not exist, especially in the past. Those times were not as simple and rosy in our relations as they are now. Indeed, difficult times unite people. Perhaps Belarusians and Russians alike, and the leaders of our states," said Alexander Lukashenko.

The Belarusian leader particularly emphasized the importance of cooperation with Russian regions, including those in the central part of Russia. "Secondly, cooperation with you is very important to us," he stressed. "Our people have great respect for the Russian people. Even for me, as a Soviet person, it is difficult to say – what Russians, what Belarusians… We are essentially one people. We come from the same root, were born together, we are absolutely alike, we have the same principles, we develop as Slavic peoples should. We would like to have the warmest and most cordial relations."

In turn, Georgy Filimonov thanked the head of the Belarusian state for such "important, warm, correct, programmatic, and constructively inspiring" words spoken at the beginning of the meeting. He confirmed that it was indeed his first time in Minsk and that, while here, he felt as if he were at home. "Yes, we are representatives of a single tree, a single Slavic super-ethnos, bearers of a single historical and cultural code, we have a common heritage, a common Victory (we are meeting in the year of the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory), and we highly value the feat of our ancestors who created the very possibility for us to live, have children, develop, and pass this heritage from generation to generation," Georgy Filimonov emphasized.

This community, according to him, can be characterized by its Soviet heritage, as stated by the President of Belarus, and Georgy Filimonov agrees with this. "I also often stumble when someone hints to me or I am forced to utter perfunctory, diplomatic phrases, make bows, and call Belarusians foreigners. I cannot even allow myself this internally," said the head of the Vologda region.

"We, together with our Belarusian colleagues, are brothers, comrades, defending historical memory, fighting for truth, for historical justice. And we are winning. I am confident that in all senses, victory will be ours," stated Georgy Filimonov.

belta.by