Vladimir Ryzhkov: Without Russian money Lukashenka is bankrupt

A Russian opposition politician doesn't rule out the possibility of a default in Belarus.

Belarus lives on Russian economic aid to a large extent. If it weren't for it, Aliaksandr Lukashenka would have become bankrupt long ago, Russian opposition member and co-head of RPR-PARNAS Vladimir Ruzhkov said to charter97.org in Vilnius.

“Belarus to a large extent lives on Russian economic aid. But for the aid, Lukashenka would have become bankrupt long ago. Every time he runs out of money, he goes to Vladimir Putin and Putin gives him money. Belarus lives on it,” the Russian opposition politician stressed commenting on the economic situation in the country.

Asked to say a few words about the relationship between Russia and Belarus, Ryzhkov said: “To put it short, Lukashenka's Belarus is Russia's satellite.”

“Belarus is being kept as a sovereign country, but it is not independent under Lukashenka's rule,” he added. “One should understand that if the financial cord between Moscow and Minsk is cut, Belarus will fall into the deepest financial and economic crisis. The country already has huge debts and a weak budget. Belarus will face a default without direct financial backing from Moscow. The reasons are Lukashenka and Belarus's weak economy. It is weak without external support.”