Lukashenko's relationship with Russia

Belarus has been a close ally of Russia since the Soviet era, and the two countries share strong economic and military ties. However, Lukashenko has not always been completely aligned with Russia's interests and has tried to maintain some degree of independence in his foreign policy. This has caused tension with Moscow, especially since the 2020 election and the subsequent crackdown on opposition figures, which Russia largely supported.

In recent years, Lukashenko has sought to strengthen his ties with Russia, especially in the face of increased Western pressure over his human rights abuses and a crackdown on dissent. This has included closer cooperation on security and military matters, as well as closer economic ties.

However, the relationship remains complex, and Lukashenko has sought to balance his ties with Russia against the need to maintain some independence and autonomy. The ongoing crisis on the Belarus-Poland border has also caused tension with Moscow, as Russia has criticized Lukashenko's handling of the situation and has not been as supportive as he would like. Overall, Belarus's relationship with Russia is a key factor in the country's political and economic future, and will likely continue to be a major focus of attention in the coming years.