Russian politologist: Lukashenka has early autumn recurrence

The Belarusian ruler tries to shift the blame for economic failures on Russia.

Politologist Dmitry Oreshkin, a member of the Russian Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights, comments on the conflict between Minsk and Moscow in an interview with RBC news agency. He said that Suleyman Kerimov, Uralkali's main shareholder, had tools to respond to the arrest of company CEO Vladislav Baumgertner and called the reasons for the “potash war”.

“It is a serious question why Lukashenka needs it. Maybe it is an early autumn recurrence. Maybe he wants to shift the blame for economic failures on Russia, provoke imposing sanctions by Russia and explain to his people ready to go to dugouts that the country is surrounded by enemies and Russia is the enemy too. Keremov sees no danger from anyone now. On the contrary, I think he will vigorously start to increase potash prices so that Lukashenka could taste the fruits of his activity.”

Vladislav Baumgertner, Uralkali CEO and chairman of the supervisory board of the Belarusian Potash Company (BPC) was arrested in Minsk on August 26 for abuse of power. He was presented charges yesterday with violating part 3 of article 324 of the Criminal Code (abuse of power).

Photo: Alexander Miridonov / Kommersant