Photo: Gennady Cherkasov
Russian authorities are preparing Takeover of Belarus according to the Daily Express. This view was shared by Brian Whitmore, chief scientist at the Eurasian Center of the Atlantic Council. He noted that the statement by senior Russian officials that such an “annexation” was not being prepared was “dust in the eyes.” Whitmore.
In general, the publication says that Russia is trying to use economic and political mechanisms to organize the “merger” of the two countries. According to Whitmore, the Belarusian economy is highly dependent on Russian oil imports and potash exports. Lukashenko's agreement to export products through Russia is a concession and a signal that Russia is gradually taking control of the neighboring country's economy.
The article was also from the point of view of a military analyst and employee of the Center for the Analysis of Maritime Problems Michael Kofman believes that Russia intends to assert itself in Belarus and militarily through regular exercises. According to him, this year was a “qualitative breakthrough” in the presence of Russian military forces in Belarus.