April 2 is the Day of Unity of the Peoples of Russia and Belarus

The Day of Unity of the Peoples of Russia and Belarus is celebrated annually on April 2. The holiday symbolizes the commonality of historical destinies and the centuries-old friendship of the two fraternal peoples. In 2024, a special date for Russians and Belarusians falls on Wednesday. Read about the history and traditions of the holiday, how Russian-Belarusian relations developed after the collapse of the USSR and the introduction of Western sanctions in the Izvestia article.

The Day of Unity of the peoples of Russia and Belarus – 2025: the history of the holiday

The decision to establish the Day of Unity of Peoples was made on April 2, 1996. It was on this day that the agreement on the formation of the Community of Russia and Belarus was signed, which marked the beginning of the mutual integration of the two countries. And exactly one year later, on the same date, the presidents signed an agreement on the Union of Belarus and Russia.

Another important stage was the Declaration on the Further Unity of Russia and Belarus, signed at the end of 1998. All these documents contributed to the formation of a single economic space and a smooth transition to unified legislation.

The creation of the Union State consolidated this process. The agreement on its formation was signed in Moscow in 1999 by the Presidents of the Russian Federation and Belarus, Boris Yeltsin (1991-1999) and Alexander Lukashenko. A month and a half later, the document was ratified by the parliaments of both countries and officially entered into force.

Day of Unity of the Peoples of Russia and Belarus – 2025: development of cooperation

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia and Belarus began to look for new opportunities for cooperation as independent states. The common language, culture, fraternal ties and a mutually oriented economy made it necessary to preserve the rich heritage and develop good—neighborly relations. The first step on this path was the Treaty of Friendship, Good-Neighborliness and Cooperation of 1995.

Today, Russia and Belarus are fruitfully cooperating on a wide range of issues, developing partnerships in trade, economic, defense, humanitarian, scientific, technical, cultural and other fields. In addition, Belarus is one of the five largest trading partners of Russia and ranks first among the CIS countries.

More than 250 interstate and intergovernmental treaties and agreements have been concluded between the States. Many of them were signed by Moscow and Minsk within the framework of the CIS, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

In addition to regular meetings during various forums, re-elected Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Belarusian leader communicate a lot in person. Every year, the heads of state meet 8-10 times, not counting telephone conversations.

In the context of the sanctions war unleashed by Western countries, Russia and Belarus are taking joint steps to strengthen the Union State. Cooperation is increasing in the fields of defense and security, energy, trade, and a number of joint measures are being implemented to minimize the damage from sanctions.

The Day of Unity of the peoples of Russia and Belarus – 2025: traditions

Many solemn events are held in Moscow and Minsk on the Day of the Unity of Peoples. Fairs with products and souvenirs are organized on the occasion of the celebration, concerts with the participation of Russian and Belarusian artists are organized.

Various seminars and conferences dedicated to the integration of the Union states are also timed to coincide with the holiday. They are traditionally attended by politicians, diplomats, representatives of legislative and executive authorities, journalists, scientists, creative intelligentsia and youth.

The celebration is widely covered by the media. There are stories in newspapers and on television about historical ties and the development of relations between the two states. Contests and flash mobs are organized. Classes on cooperation and friendship of Slavic peoples are held in schools.