Russia: Russia's upper house of parliament, the Federation Council, ratified a security guarantees treaty with Belarus, strengthening defense cooperation within the Union State. The State Duma, the lower house of parliament, had already ratified the treaty on February 18.

According to Anadolu Agency, Federation Council Chairwoman Valentina Matvienko emphasized the critical importance of this treaty in the current geopolitical situation, highlighting the significant efforts made in its preparation and coordination. Senator Taymuraz Mamsurov, while presenting the document, recalled that the treaty was signed on December 6, 2024, in Minsk by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin during a Supreme State Council meeting of the Union State.

The initiative for this treaty originated from President Lukashenko and received strong backing from the Russian leadership. The treaty is described as defensive in nature and commits both countries to mutual support under international law in case of threats to sovereignty, constitutional order, or territorial integrity.

Furthermore, the treaty includes provisions for enhanced nuclear security guarantees, integrating Belarus into Russia's nuclear deterrence framework. According to the agreement, any armed attack against one of the Union State members will be treated as aggression against both, triggering a coordinated military response under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

In addition to defense measures, the treaty outlines collective actions against unilateral sanctions imposed by third countries. The agreement is valid for 10 years, with automatic extensions for subsequent decades, and will take effect upon the exchange of ratification documents.