Фрагмент обложки отчета SAB
Russia is seeking full control over domestic political processes in Belarus. Moscow is also becoming increasingly sensitive even to minimal attempts by Minsk to pursue an independent policy. This is stated in the annual report of Latvia’s security service, the Constitution Protection Bureau (SAB).
“In the medium to long term, Russia wants to achieve full control over political processes in Belarus, thus reducing the risk of any unplanned changes in the Belarusian regime that could lead to potential changes in its foreign policy.,” the document published today says.
The Union State serves as a platform for these processes. SAB draws attention to the coordination of activities between the foreign ministries of the two states and the implementation of integration programs.
“Our information indicates that, despite Russia’s growing influence over Belarus and its pronounced pro-Russian course, Moscow is becoming increasingly sensitive in its perception of even the smallest efforts by the Belarusian regime to implement a more independent policy. For example, Russia sees Belarusian return to economic cooperation with European countries as contributing to Lukashenko’s multi-vector foreign policy which automatically reduces Russian influence over Belarus.,” the authors of the report note.
They also believe that a change of regime in Belarus not coordinated with Moscow would be perceived as a threat to Russia. Therefore, Russia will seek to create a situation in which the next leader of Belarus, due to structural dependence, would be forced to continue a pro-Russian course in both domestic and foreign policy.
“At the moment, Moscow has no direct influence over Lukashenko’s domestic policy; still, both sides want to prevent political instability similar to the 2020 protests, which would be seen by the Kremlin as a threat to its interests. Moscow will most likely suppress any efforts by Lukashenko’s regime to restore relations with European countries, if it does not benefit Russia.,” SAB believes.
The report also notes that economic cooperation between Belarus and Russia is becoming militarized. Supplies to Russia include both dual-use goods and finished military products. Around 500 Belarusian enterprises are integrated into the military production system. The report mentions a project to build a drone manufacturing plant with a capacity of up to 100,000 units per year. It also states that Belarus annually produces about 480,000 artillery and missile shells for Russian launch systems.
“The war in Ukraine shows that in case of a military conflict, the civilian economy of Belarus will also fully serve Russia’s military interests. Minsk almost certainly sees the provision of military-industrial assistance as the best way to support Russia in the war with Ukraine. It allows Belarus to avoid a direct engagement in the hostilities, while providing economic and financial benefits for Lukashenko’s regime. If the Kremlin maintains its aggressive foreign policy towards the West, Belarus will, most likely, have an increasingly important role in Russia achieving not only its military but also military-industrial goals,” the authors of the report conclude.