How Belarus’s role in the invasion of Ukraine could grow
It can offer ammunition and morgues, but not military might
RUSSIA TREATS Belarus, a nominally sovereign, independent country, as a satellite—in effect an extension of its own territory. It subsidises Belarus’s struggling economy, feeds it cheap energy and keeps the country’s veteran dictator, Alexander Lukashenko, in power, for now. In return, it expects unwavering allegiance. Belarus has helped Russia from the first days of the invasion of Ukraine—but Mr Lukashenko has stopped short of sending his own soldiers to fight. What is Belarus’s role in the conflict, and how might it change?
From the March 25th 2023 edition
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