Russian, Belarusian FMs issue joint statement on Ukraine's international status

This is reported by the Russian media.

“We support Ukraine's return to a neutral, non-aligned status and its rejection of the 'Nazi' and militaristic nature of its state policy,” Lavrov and Aleinik said in a joint statement.

They also emphasized that steps to 'de-escalate' the war in Ukraine should be taken by the United States and NATO.  

“To end the current security 'crisis', the United States and NATO need to reconsider their destructive course of escalating tensions, take steps to de-escalate and show willingness to take into account the fundamental interests of Belarus and Russia,” the ministers said.

• On May 17, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles and aircraft would lead to an escalation in the war.