Lukashenka goes to Kremlin to ask for money


For the first time in the history of his country’s leadership, Alyaksandr Lukashenka did not choose Russia as the first destination for official visit after the inauguration. The Belarusian leader arrived in Moscow on the invitation of Vladimir Putin and will stay in the Russian capital for two days.

“Putin has the money that Lukashenka needs. He has oil, control over the media, he can impact the Belarusian secret services,” said political analyst Ales Lahvinets.

Initially, Lukashenka’s visit to Moscow, scheduled for 25th-26th of November, was canceled. The Russian side explained it by the extreme workload of both leaders. Recently, Finance Minister Anton Siluanau said that the question of Belarus getting the new loan of Eurasian stabilization and development fund in the size of two billion dollars was postponed.

“I think he’ll get this money. And the story of the dispute around the Russian bases was about this. In principle, Moscow, which has no serious allies, will never let Lukashenka go. Well, maybe he’s get not two billion but a billion or a billion and a half, ” says journalist Pavel Sharamet.

According to the officials, the talks with the Russian side will be held in the narrow and expanded formats. Putin and Lukashenka will discuss issues of bilateral relations in the integration associations, as well as sign a number of international instruments.

“All the same, he will allow for delpoyment of the Russian bases – not even one, but two – both in Baranavichy and Babruisk. He is simply playing with us, with society, with Europe and Moscow,” adds Pavel Sharamet.

Prior to his visit to Moscow, Lukashenka has already visited Vietnam and Turkmenistan. During his latest visit, the leader of Belarus again acted in the role of peacemaker, urging Russia and Turkey to make concessions in the conflict.

“You have to overcome all sorts of disputes and find a way to make at least half a step towards each other. And the problem will be solved. The relationship between the previously friendly nations will resume,” assured Alyaksandr Lukashenka.

Apart from Lukashenka, Vladimir Putin will meet tomorrow with John Kerry. The US Secretary of State and Head of the Kremlin will likely discuss the Syrian conflict. Will Lukashenka have time to fulfill his peacekeeping mission this time?

Vital Babin, Belsat.eu

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