Belarus Security Blog: Chill in relations between Minsk and Moscow in progress


A chill in relations between Minsk and Moscow is clearly seen, Belarusian military analysts say referring to the reduction in the number of military contracts. It has fallen fell from 50 (2014) to 20 in 2016.

“The [current] Belarus-NATO cooperation is not a sign of a geopolitical reversal. The development of Belarus’ contacts with the West in the field of defense and security is the process of restoration of normality: three neighbouring countries of five are NATO members; another one (Ukraine) is eager to join the Alliance. Under these conditions, the development of the dialogue is needed not only at the bilateral level, but also in the Belarus-NATO format,” a recent report by Belarus Security Blog (BSB) says.

According to BSB analysts, the West holds Belarus as completely dependent on Moscow, and therefore ‘there is no sense’ in discussing important issues with its authorities.

However, Minsk is trying to demonstrate its independence by publishing a memorandum on the military and industrial cooperation with China. The document was presented shortly before Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s visit to Moscow.

Moreover, BSB anticipates an attempt to discredit Minsk during the military exercises ‘West-2017’ which are to be held in the territory of our country. Russian military ‘to the number of more than a motorized rifle division’ are expected to arrive in Belarus.

“This may become an element of psychological pressure on Minsk and demonstration of the Kremlin’s expectations of further expansion of cooperation with Belarus in the sphere of defense, including the deployment of Russia’s military base in our country. The message about the planned growth of military transportation from Russia to Belarus may be considered as an attempt to discredit the Belarusian authorities,” the experts say.

According to tender documents on my-tender.ru website, in 2017 the Russian Defense Ministry plans to send to Belarus and from Belarus 4,162 wagons to carry troops and other cargos.

belsat.eu, following bsblog.info

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