Putin commented on Lukashenko's words about the St. George ribbon

Russian President Vladimir Putin, responding to the words of his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko at a meeting on April 29, noted that national symbols may differ, but the most important thing is a common history.

During the bilateral meeting, Lukashenko said that in his country, at an event similar to the "Immortal Regiment", "Belarus Remembers", a red and green ribbon in the colors of the national flag is used, and not the St. George ribbon, as in Russia. He also added that the history of the St. George ribbon is "ambiguous."

In turn, Putin noted that he has nothing against each state having its own national symbols, if both countries have a common future.

"I completely agree with you — the symbols can be different, but what is important is what is behind these symbols. And behind these symbols is our common history, our present and our future, we have it in common," he said.

Victorious gesture: Putin and Lukashenko discussed protection of historical truth in Volgograd

We also agreed to create a new aircraft factory and a laboratory for unmanned systems.

Earlier in the day, Putin and Lukashenko visited the memorial complex "To the Heroes of the Battle of Stalingrad" on Mamayev Kurgan in Volgograd. They paid tribute to the defenders of Stalingrad and laid wreaths at the Eternal Flame in the Hall of Military Glory and flowers at the grave of Marshal, twice Hero of the Soviet Union Vasily Chuikov.