Enhanced security measures have been implemented across Russia following the March 22 terrorist attack on the Crocus City Hall concert venue in Moscow, the deadliest attack in the country since the Beslan school siege in 2004.
Although it never entered into force, the agreement was ratified by 178 countries, including nuclear powers France and Britain, and has symbolic value.
Russia supports Serbia over EU-dubbed 'terrorist attack' in north Kosovo euractiv.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from euractiv.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Belarus and China are among Russia's closest allies – and now want to cooperate more closely. Ruler Lukashenko is already holding out the prospect of a joint maneuver – supposedly without danger to "third countries" There are already agreements between Minsk and Beijing, for example on visa-free travel. Belarus is also part of China's "Belt and Road Initiative", with which Beijing wants to gain greater economic and political influence worldwide through massive infrastructure investments. China's closer cooperation with Belarus thwarts Beijing's attempts to present itself as a neutral mediator in the Ukraine war.