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A year after the repressed democracy movement, Lukashenko faces economic problems due to Western sanctions, a self-proclaimed migration crisis that has meant even harsher sanctions so far, and a rising mood in his role as Moscow’s vassal.
In a regular and demonstrative conversation with journalists (dubbed the “Great Talk with the President”), Lukashenko followed Putin’s earlier paths, blaming the West for everything and emphasizing the importance of “focusing on external enemies.” The unrecognized president of Belarus started a “conversation” from a nearly 40-minute monologue about the ongoing attack against him and Belarus.
Belarusian Economy Minister Aliaksandr Cherviakov, who was invited, complained that the country had faced a double blow: sanctions and a coronavirus. But at the same time, the official explained that the state of the Belarusian economy was improving.
Mr. Lukashenko called the European Union a “European Soviet Union” and complained about the sanctions policy. “There is no contact with the Lithuanians now, but nothing will survive in any way,” Lukashenko complained about the negotiations at the political level.
He also explained that he could not “dictate” anything to anyone because he did not have the resources to do so. However, he pointed out that “if something goes very wrong, we will respond.”
“Did anyone need him in Lithuania? No. The point is not even in the sanctions, the point is that he tried to ban the construction of a nuclear power plant,” Lukashenko explained when talking about the situation at the border.
Lukashenko: Belarus is ready to directly export potash fertilizers through Russia
Belarusian authoritarian President Aliaksandr Lukashenko said on Monday that he was ready to funnel potash fertilizer exports through Russian ports, primarily Murmansk.
Lithuanian politicians “now want to shoot themselves in the head, close our ports for the handling of chemical and potassium fertilizers. Listen, we will deliver these volumes, we will upload them to Murmansk, there are no questions about that, “he said at a press conference.
Mr. Lukashenko added that Belarus was ready to transport fertilizers to China and India via the “shortest North Sea route”, which are considered the main markets for these products.
“Please scream [sau] to the head. You will go out, until we cross in the corner after crossing the red line, now we must look for a way out of this situation. But the ball is on the other side, “he said.
Sanctions on Belarus and Russia
Mr. Lukashenko emphasized that the integration of Belarus and Russia would be economic. “Putin understands that Russia does not need another headache,” Lukashenko said.
According to Lukashenko, who is often criticized for his total economic dependence on the Kremlin and the subsidies it is receiving, Belarus and Russia will form a union rather than “seek integration.”
“It just came to our attention then. Perhaps Belarus is part of Russia, or perhaps Russia is part of Belarus. Who knows what it will be like there, but now there is nothing to talk about,” he explained, adding that “any integration without loss of sovereignty “.
“He wouldn’t even have an eyebrow if he had to activate the army when the West crosses the red line,” Lukashenko explained, referring to possible emergency assistance from Russia.
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