Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit Belarus, his ally in the war in Ukraine, on Monday, the press service of the Belarusian presidency said on Friday, according to France Presse.

Putin will meet with his colleague Alexander Lukashenko at the Independence Palace in Minsk as part of his “working visit to Belarus,” the press service reports.

Bilateral discussions will focus on “Russian-Belarusian integration”, given that the two countries have concluded several agreements on cooperation in the economic and military spheres.

“The presidents will also discuss security issues and exchange views on the situation in the region and the world,” the message says, without specifically mentioning the Ukrainian conflict.

Belarus served as a base for Russian troops during their offensive against Ukraine, which began in late February, but the Belarusian army has not yet been involved in combat on Ukrainian soil.

In mid-October, Belarus and Russia announced the creation of joint military forces, which, according to Minsk, will be “defensive” only.