Putin welcomes Lukashenko to his private Valdai retreat just after Kyiv claimed the border relay stations helping direct Russian strikes on Ukraine had stopped working

On June 26, Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko at his Valdai retreat, highlighting the close ties between the two nations amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Just hours before their meeting, Kyiv announced that border relay stations aiding Russian missile strikes had ceased functioning. This visit underscores Putin's reliance on Lukashenko's support in the face of Ukrainian resistance, suggesting continued strategic collaboration despite international pressure and military setbacks. The meeting likely discussed furthering their mutual defense efforts and reinforcing their alliance against Ukraine.