Vladimir Putin meets with leaders of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko In the Kremlin on Thursday, the two discussed negotiations to integrate their country’s economy and government policies before large-scale joint military exercises.
Before the talks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that no documents are expected to be signed, which shows that the isolated Lukashenko continues to resist Moscow’s pressure and demand recognition of control over government policies in exchange for Russia’s support.
“I ask you to summarize the results of the recent work done in formulating the alliance’s national plan,” Putin said at the beginning of the talks on Thursday, referring to the decision to further integrate countries that have stagnated since the first time. . Agreed in principle in 1999.
“We are moving forward like a civilized country, just united together, just as an alliance… almost one person,” Lukashenko said in gorgeous rhetoric. But in terms of specific agreements, he said that discussions may lead to further internal government consultations, and it may not be until October or later that a plan can be adopted.
Nevertheless, there are signs that military cooperation between the two countries is strengthening.
Before the fifth meeting with Putin this year, Lukashenko said that he hopes to purchase a large number of weapons, including fighter jets and helicopters, as well as advanced S-400 air defense weapons. Belarus It also claims that Moscow has transferred Su-30 fighter jets to Belarus to patrol the country’s border with Europe.
Moscow also said Ready to provide new loans to Belarusian dictatorshipAfter large-scale protests last year, he imprisoned major political opponents and brutally suppressed the opposition, after which he was largely isolated by the West.
It is believed that the Kremlin is using this isolation to put pressure on Lukashenko to complete some integration projects that will attract Belarus It is closer to Russia politically, militaryly, and economically, and even restricts these countries with a common currency.
However, Lukashenko stagnated in the implementation of these agreements that were part of the treaty of the Union countries in 1999. He acknowledged that these agreements would undermine his position and transfer the sovereignty of Belarus to Moscow. According to official media reports, the Belarusian ambassador has stated that the two sides may sign an agreement on Thursday night. But similar predictions have not been made before.
This meeting was held a few days before the start of the Zapad-2021 military exercise. It is estimated that tens of thousands of Belarusian and Russian troops will participate in the planned exercises on the European border. Moscow claimed that as many as 200,000 soldiers participated in the training, but this number is believed to be exaggerated.
These exercises are held every four years and usually simulate the conflict between NATO and the Russian-led alliance. The 2017 exercises caused considerable panic in the West, and there are concerns that these exercises may help justify military build-ups on the NATO border. The response to the 2021 exercise scheduled for September 10-16 was more moderate, although European countries along the Belarusian border strengthened security precautions, partly because the Belarusian leader instigated the immigration crisis.
