Lukashenka “Zeroed”: Last Call of the Dictator

The meeting in Sochi was dedicated to the resignation of the usurper.

If you need to explain the meaning of the word "obscure" to a foreigner, the meeting between Putin and Lukashenka in Sochi can serve as a perfect illustration of it. The talks began in an open format and had the same set of participants as six months ago: Putin, Lukashenka, and ugly-looking ikebana of artificial flowers. The latter kept silent for the most part, and on the whole, proved to be the most adequate side of the discussion, says Puppeteer and Sheep Telegram channel.

Putin, on the other hand, began with a long opening speech. He listed the things that strongly "unite the Belarusian and Russian peoples". There was no place for Lukashenka on this list. However, things were not so sad for the dictator. Putin twice called him "respected," and invited him to go skiing in the end. Such a generous offer pleased Lukashenka so much that he seemed to run to the nearest phone booth and tell Galochka that she was going to burst in surprise because he (Lukashenka) was flying to Gagra with Yakin.

While Putin spoke about relations between the countries without getting into personalities, his Belarusian counterpart was more personal. Again, we are happy that Lukashenka is no longer the ruler of Belarus. Otherwise, it would be disgusting to watch what a pathetic nobody the head of your country is, what slavish obedience and dog-like devotion he plays in front of the Russian autocrat. Fortunately, we have nothing more to do with Lukashenka, and the public humiliation in Sochi is a problem of his reputation, not that of Belarus.

The talks between Putin and Lukashenka had no point. The few specific issues they discussed were out of their level. It was at most the level of ministers. It seems that at least some positive agenda was needed, and they had to artificially bring up all sorts of insignificant trifles for discussion.

Most likely, the positive agenda aimed to soothe the impression from the unpleasant closed part of the negotiations. According to some reports, insiders, and past statements, it is likely that Lukashenka's resignation was the key topic. But we can only guess how exactly the Kremlin sees the transfer of power in Belarus and how Lukashenka resists this scenario.

We can draw a few conclusions from yesterday's talks. Putin understands that the support of Lukashenka destroys his reputation in the Belarusian society. Therefore, he does not mention Lukashenka in his speech and speaks about "fundamental ties between the countries". Lukashenka is trying to replace real concessions with his flattery and subservience.

The core thing happened yesterday. Putin and Lukashenka had telephone talks. It means six hours in Sochi were not enough for them. One should understand that the agenda for international negotiations at the highest level is prepared in advance. The meeting follows an already approved plan. If it is not possible to resolve all the issues (it happens seldom), then the negotiations take the next round, in a couple of months or so. However, the continuation of the six-hour talks the next day on the phone happens during grave international crises. For example, it happened on the eve of the expired deadline for Britain's exit from the EU.

The problem that arose at the Sochi talks looks urgent. On February 23, Putin is busy with official events. It would have been better to call Lukashenka tomorrow. We do not know what the reason for it is.

The administration reports a whole list of specific, but not particularly important (not urgent) issues. Putin's press service, on the other hand, made a drudge statement that the phone conversation was a continuation of the Sochi talks.