Russia's annexation plans for Belarus alarm NATO and Ukraine
Experts from the ISW warn of the consequences of Russian actions in Belarus for the USA, NATO, and Ukraine. "Russia's efforts aim at the de facto annexation of Belarus," it reads.
Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) highlight that Russian attempts at the de facto annexation of Belarus present a considerable strategic threat to the United States, NATO, and Ukraine.
As stated, "The Kremlin seeks the de facto annexation of Belarus by formalising the 'Union State' as a Russian-dominated federal government, granting Moscow significant control over most, if not all, aspects of Belarusian governance."
According to the ISW, Moscow has already made substantial progress in integrating with Belarus, which requires NATO to reassess the implications of increased Russian control over this country. Russia might use these resources against the USA, NATO, and Ukraine.
Russia's use of Belarus
Belarus is not just an ally of Russia but is becoming its strategic partner, enabling the Kremlin to expand its influence on the international stage. The Kremlin aims to utilise its progress in Belarus to mitigate the costs of an extended conflict with Ukraine, hasten post-war reconstruction, and prepare for future confrontations, notes "Ukrainska Pravda," citing ISW analysts.
"The breadth and comprehensiveness of the integrative actions that the Kremlin wants to implement with Belarus are so extensive that it is simpler to list what Moscow will control than what it will not," note the ISW analysts.
"Russia does not need to achieve further integration successes in Belarus to pose a threat to the West. The current military, political, and economic advancements of Russia in Belarus since 2020 already constitute a threat that policymakers need to address," emphasise ISW experts.
Russia has been using Belarusian territory since the early days of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russian troops entered Ukraine from Belarus, and missile attacks were launched from this country, the Ukrainian press reminds.
Belarus has served as a training ground, a recuperation area for Russian troops, and a transit point for weapons and equipment. In the regions of Belarus adjacent to Ukraine and Poland, Russia conducts joint military exercises with Belarusian forces, including those involving the use of tactical nuclear arms.
Source: Ukrainska Pravda/ISW
