"Is Russia Plotting to Take Over Belarus?" Topic

"President Vladimir Putin may look beyond Russia for a mechanism to keep power after his current term ends. That's making Moscow's closest ally nervous amid spiraling tensions over Kremlin threats to slash economic subsidies.

After years of spending billions of dollars to support Belarus's state-dominated economy, Russia is intensifying pressure on President Alexander Lukashenko to demonstrate his loyalty by accepting deeper integration in return for continued aid. That's fueling fears in Belarus that Russia's turning the screw as a prelude to possible absorption of its former Soviet satellite.

Those concerns may not be unfounded, according to three people close to the Kremlin, who said Putin may lay plans to head a unified state with neighboring Belarus to sidestep a constitutional ban on remaining president after 2024…"

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Amicalement
Armand

Wouldn't surprise me one bit.

Interesting take on things.

I also thought him stepping down temporarily, while his "puppet" was in charge was interesting, previously. Clearly he is enjoying his role immensely.

Until the dissolution of the USSR, Belarus was Russia. Surely Russia has legitimacy in keeping Belarus in its close orbit.

I'm for self-determination.

Worked in 1776, and should work now too.

Perhaps the USSR, errr Russia, and Vladimir should make it more attractive to those from Belarus.

I do find it interesting how many prefer not to be allied/aligned with them, now.

So the Russians are tired of spending money to keep Belarus afloat, so they will absorb it back into the fold and…..keep spending money to keep it afloat.

Good plan!

Self-determination worked great in 1776. Of course many in the South wanted self-determination in 1861. It's a matter of perspective.

(smile)

Amicalement
Armand

It is a bit more complicated. If Putin and Lukashenko are keeping their promises that they're not changing the constitutions of their countries, a legal way to go is to form a new state, make Putin its president, and Lukashenko his VP. It almost happened during Yeltsin times, but Russian oligarchs were, naturally very much against Lukashenko as he was much healthier than Yeltsin, and could easily succeed him.
Lukashenko is a master of bargaining, but I guess he had allowed China to control way too much…so it is interesting what kind of development we'll see in the future.
I've just returned from Byelorussia, and I saw growing Chinese presence, a fear that market prices for oil and gas will finish Byelorussian socialism. Generally it looks like you're back in time for 30 years in regards to what you see on TV or in the hotel…

Thanks Barin!.

Amicalement
Armand