Andrei Suzdaltsev: Lukashenka envies Putin for Sochi

The Belarusian ruler looked sad at the Olympic opening ceremony.

Andrei Suzdaltsev, a Russian politologist and a deputy dean of the faculty of world economy and international affairs at Higher School of Economics, gave an interview to charter97.org.

“Lukashenka and Putin met in Sochi. They talked for a few minutes, because they had discussed everything at the latest meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council. No new topics were raised. The matter is the implementation of the tasks and obligations. Besides, the very format of such meetings doesn't suppose hot discussions. It should be just a general evaluation of opinions,” the expert notes.

The politologist adds that the Belarusian ruler, however, felt uncomfortable in Sochi.

“He also expects a great international sporting event, but it is impossible to repeat Sochi. Even to reach 10% [of the show in Sochi]. It makes Lukashenka sad. He even envies a bit. It was seen well during the opening ceremony. He looked stressed. Belarus does it best to catch how it's done and try to use it in May 2014,” Andrei Suzdaltsev is sure.

We remind that the Belarusian dictator and his youngest son Kolia wearing an expensive jacket were watching the Olympic opening ceremony in the VIP box.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of several countries and the International Olympic Committee, Russian president Vladimir Putin, Russian PM Dmitry Medvedev, who fell asleep, and Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych sitting behind Lukashenka.