Autumnal Cannibalism
Putin’s Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia recognizes Lukashenko as the legitimate president of Belarus and counterpart of Putin in interstate relations.
✔️ Talks constructive and rich in content.
✔️ Russia agrees $1.5 billion loan to Belarus.
✔️ Presidents agree to prepare to restore transport links.
✔️ Lukashenko says he will propose amendments to the Constitution. Putin says Russia supports constitutional reform.
✔️ Russian military will return to their bases after military exercises in Belarus.
✔️ Oil and gas supplies discussed.
Unfortunately for Putin, most Belarusians do not recognize Lukashenko as the legitimate president.
✔️ Protests will continue and grow larger.
✔️ Lukashenko will either flee or be deposed.
✔️ Russia will be forced to re-think its Belarus strategy.
✔️ There will be no constitutional reform while Lukashenko remains president.
✔️ Calls to release political prisoners will grow louder.
✔️ OSCE is unable/incapable of playing a meaningful role in mitigating disaster.