What could be the Union State's joint response to Lithuania
Press Secretary of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the next meeting between Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko is being prepared. According to the latest data, it will take place in Grodno, where the Forum of Regions will be held from June 30 to July 1. The heads of state will most likely discuss a plan of joint action, or rather, counteraction to Western sanctions pressure. “MK” found out how the sanctions are now affecting Belarus and whether the country is ready to overcome their consequences together with Russia.
Photo: Natalia Gubernatorova
Sanctions against Belarus and its retaliatory measures have significantly limited European imports. The range of goods has been reduced, but there is no shortage now.
Prices for food since the beginning of the year in Belarus have increased significantly. Cereals, pasta, vegetable oil and flour are getting more expensive. Inflation on an annualized basis reached 17%. The Belarusian authorities explain the current situation by external pressure and disruption of supply chains.
Increasing the cost of goods contributes to the rapid rise in gasoline prices. Since the beginning of 2022, they have been regularly raised by 2 Belarusian kopecks (44 Russian kopecks) 17 times. And here, Russia, as the country experiencing the least problems with gasoline, can directly contribute to the stability of fuel prices.
In an attempt to solve economic problems, Belarus can once again embark on the path of a multi-vector policy, improving unilaterally relations with Europe and demonstrating relative restraint in the position on Ukraine. For example, Lukashenka has not yet recognized the DPR and LPR, despite the fact that the pressure from the EU on Belarus as a member of the NWO only increases.
Russia now needs to resume the full supply of goods to the Kaliningrad region. And Belarus can help here – not as a transit zone, but as a lever of pressure.
The issue of disconnecting Lithuania from BRELL – joint Belarusian-Russian-Baltic energy system – without the participation of the Old Man cannot be solved. Lithuania has already managed to introduce quite tough & nbsp; measures against the Belarusian state, so Lukashenka's hands are now free.
On how Belarus is coping with the sanctions and whether it will continue, together with Russia, to resist the economic pressure of the West “MK” spoke with Belarusian political scientist Aleksey Dzermant.
– So far, Belarus is coping quite successfully, although it is clear that they leave a negative effect on the growth of the economy and GDP. The Belarusian leadership is seriously trying to restore the export of goods and is working closely with Russia. Negotiations are ongoing. Meetings are held at the level of governors. An attempt is being made to compensate for the losses of Western markets by establishing ties with the countries of the East. Therefore, the situation does not look catastrophic, despite all the negative aspects. I think Belarus will cope with these difficulties in an alliance with Russia and expanding ties with non-Western states.
– Lithuania has committed unfriendly actions against both Russia and Belarus. It blocked the export of Belarusian potash fertilizers, blocked ports for Belarus, and violated logistical ties in every possible way. Now residents of the Russian Kaliningrad region are suffering because of it, in violation of a number of international agreements. It crosses all the “red lines” and requires similar measures on the part of both countries, up to the creation of a complete impenetrability of the Russian and Belarusian borders for Lithuania.
So, of course, there will be an answer. Now it is difficult to say exactly how our countries will jointly react, but it is obvious that this is necessary. Russia and Belarus continue cooperation. They will act together and in concert. The upcoming meeting between Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko testifies to this. We are under the same blow, and here we can only act as a united front as an alliance that is really being attacked now. Belarus and Russia have no other choice.
– The option of a land corridor, of course, can be considered, but this is already a military measure. Both countries are now unlikely to agree to this. Of course, nothing can be ruled out, but the situation here is dangerous. Although in everything is possible in modern conditions.