MOSCOW, December 18. /TASS/. Russia considers Belarus' participation in the potential negotiations on Ukraine both crucial and necessary, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said during a briefing.

"We value and support Minsk’s peace efforts, and we see it as vital and necessary for our closest ally to take part in the negotiations, which will include Russia’s participation," she said.

The diplomat further stressed that "consideration of Belarusian interests, particularly its security concerns, is Russia’s top priority."

Zakharova highlighted that, "despite Western pressure and misleading NATO narratives," Belarus has consistently provided its platform and mediation efforts under the Minsk Agreements, the Contact Group, and Normandy format meetings for the 2022 Russian-Ukrainian talks.

"Belarus’ contribution to the humanitarian field is priceless and irreplaceable - especially its role in facilitating the return of POWs and civilians. Just recently, a group of Kursk Region residents were repatriated from Ukrainian captivity via Belarus, including children and the elderly," she emphasized.

Earlier, Belarusian Deputy Foreign Minister Yury Ambrazevich noted that Minsk seeks involvement in the peace talks on Ukraine, and its interests must be addressed in any final agreements. He stressed that Belarus has actively worked to prevent further escalation in Ukraine and sought guarantees for its own security. Ambrazevich also highlighted that Belarus has a greater stake than anyone in achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict.