Barys Zhaliba: If you are deep in debt, look at your main creditor

The Russian leadership is closely watching Lukashenka.

Aliaksandr Lukashenka has addressed the people of Belarus and the “parliament” today and said many pleasant words about Russia. The dictator noted that it was “stupid” to think that Belarus began to “turn to the West” and assured that he always told western politicians that “we will always be with Russia in anything happens”. Economist Barys Zhaliba explains to charter97.org why Lukashenka again makes pro-Russian remarks.

– Lukashenka underlined in his today's address that he would come to Moscow and demonstrate that Belarus is a part of the “Russian world”. Why does he do so?

– The Russian MFA gave Lukashenka to understand that he shouldn't visit the Eastern Partnership summit in Riga. Otherwise he won't receive a loan. So, he is likely to choose not to go there. Besides, his visit to Georgia, which has had strained relations with Russia since Saakashvili's presidency, provoked discontent of Putin's team. I think the multi-vector policy is needed, but if someone is deep in debt, he should look at his main creditor. It will depend on Lukashenka's visit to Moscow on Victory Day, on May 9, not May 7 or 8, whether he will receive the loan. Pro-Putin politicians in Russia say it was almost a betrayal. It also influences the issuing of the loan and the time of the issue.

– Lukashenka seems to have made a lot of blunders recently.

– Yes, Lukashenka got many thumbs-down from Russia. Besides, he holds negotiations with the West and the IMF on getting several loans in the nearest year or two. He also conducts a policy of the rapprochement with the EU and holds negotiations on placing government bonds of the Ministry of Finance on the European market. Some of Russian high-ranking politicians don't approve it. Of course, Lukashenka swears friendship and loyalty to Russia, understanding that he received too may thumbs-down and he now needs to neutralise them by making complimentary statements.