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Discussion About Russian Federation Base Is “Red Herring” To Sidetrack Attention

Discussion About Russian Federation Base Is “Red Herring” To Sidetrack Attention
PHOTO: ANDREI SANNIKOV / FACEBOOK

There’s a need for a coordinated international policy towards Belarus.

The Belarusian ruler, Aliaksandr Lukashenka, is completely dependent on the Kremlin, which is why the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, is given the opportunity to conduct military exercises on Belarusian territory, Andrei Sannikov, a coordinator of the European Belarus civil campaign, has said in a comment to the Gordon periodical.

“Lukashenka declares that Belarus is a friendly state to Ukraine, but we all have taken so many knocks already that it is time to stop believing the words of such double tongued people as Putin and Lukashenka. The dictatorial regime in Belarus has long been completely bankrupt and exists only due to the support of the Kremlin. Lukashenka is ready to trade the independence of Belarus in order to preserve his regime. This is the main logic of his actions. I am always amazed at the surprise of the Ukrainians by the position of Belarus. Lukashenka's regime is the Kremlin’s closest ally. All recent actions (not words or statements) have shown that Lukashenka gives Russia the territory of Belarus for military training, including against Ukraine. And the West-2017 maneuvers have confirmed that,” – Sannikov says.

He believes that European politicians’ overtures to Lukashenka help him stay in power.

“A coordinated international policy towards Belarus is important. For example, NATO considers the territory of the Republic of Belarus under Lukashenka’s regime to be fully included in Russia's military plans. But for some reason, European politicians are trying to overture to Lukashenka, as to the head of an independent state, thereby prolonging the life of his regime. The discussion about the appearance of the Russian military base in Belarus is a “red herring” to sidetrack attention. In fact, the entire territory of Belarus has long been a military base for the Kremlin. Lukashenka hasn't been shy about it – the Russian military do what they want in the country. And there is no doubt that they have the right to weaponise this strategic territory,” – Andrei Sannikov said.

According to him, under certain conditions, hostilities can spill over to the territory of Belarus.

“It’s not Lukashenka who decides whether to join the war game of Russia. Volunteers from Belarus are fighting in Ukraine. I think the Kremlin understands that, if Belarus is actively involved, the war against Russia can spread to the Belarusian territory. That is, it’s not Lukashenka’s regime that stops Putin (the Belarusian dictator is neither a guarantor nor a defender of independence), but the democratic forces of Belarus, which do not accept the position of Russia and Lukashenka in Ukraine. This serves as a deterrent for Russia. But we see the aggressor’s behavior, that's why we can expect any insane actions from him,” – Andrei Sannikov says.

According to him, Kiev should not count on real support from the Belarusian authorities.

“In reality, there is no and will not be any support of Ukraine from the official Minsk. There is only a business partnership, as long as the dirty schemes created with Lukashenka’s help, and in which the Ukrainian authorities are interested, last. In terms of the politics – they have no understanding. Especially now, when Lukashenka is begging for another dole from the Kremlin in connection with the so-called oil tax maneuver, one should not wait for support. Wait for false statements about ending the war, peace and willingness to help. But remember, all this is a lie. Lukashenka will do it the Kremlin’s way,” – Sannikov concludes.

On December 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered to approve the draft military doctrine of the “union state” of Russia and Belarus. Its text is not given.

In February, the TASS news agency reported that Belarusian Council of Ministers had endorsed the draft military doctrine.

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