ISTANBUL
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday signed a law ratifying a treaty with Belarus on security guarantees within the Union State framework.
Russia’s upper house of parliament, the Federation Council, on Wednesday ratified the treaty after the State Duma’s approval on Feb. 18.
Federation Council chairwoman Valentina Matvienko called the agreement “critically important” given the current geopolitical climate.
Signed on Dec. 6, 2024 in Minsk by Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, the treaty ensures mutual defense obligations, integrates Belarus into Russia’s nuclear deterrence framework, and mandates a joint military response to aggression.
It also includes provisions against unilateral sanctions and will remain in force for 10 years, with automatic extensions.
