Andrei Fyodarau: Putin may need occupation of Belarus to enhance his image

Russian authorities believe that in Belarus they will meet with weaker resistance than in Ukraine.

Such a conclusion has been made by an expert of the Belarusian analytical workshop Andrei Fyodarau. He is sure that internal and external factors more and more clearly show that such developments are possible, Radio Racyja informs.

Andrei Fyodarau claims that deteriorating economic environment and drop in the living standards in Russia are to result in decline of the Russian president’s popularity.

“In such a case the only thing which could increase it is a splendid little war,” the expert believes. “On the understanding that the current Belarusian authorities had been pursuing the policy which caused a pro-Russian mentality of the considerable part of the population, Russia may encounter with the weakest resistance namely in Belarus. Russia does not need many victims either, so they could decide that they would be minimal in Belarus. The West won’t defend Belarus, they are not really defending Ukraine. Putin has nothing to lose, as his image in the West is lost completely.”

Andrei Fyodarau says that Russia is trying to turn Belarus into another foothold for a possible offensive against Poland and the Baltic states, but because of his total economic dependence Lukashenka won’t deny that to them.