Moscow may annex Belarus after suppressing Wagner revolt – pundit

June 24, BPN. The suppression of the Wagner mercenaries’ revolt may radicalize Russia’s actions both on the battlefield in Ukraine and in its foreign policy, political analyst Alexander Friedman has told BPN.

Current events and Vladimir Putin’s rhetoric indicate that the Russian regime may become more ruthless, he noted.

Alaksandr Łukašenka could have been the first person who Putin called amid the news of the Wagner private military company’s mutiny, the analyst noted.

Although the Belarusian ruler avoided making comments, the statement by the Security Council demonstrated a high level of authorities’ dependence on Moscow, Friedman said.

In these circumstances, the Belarusian opposition “needs to act as quickly as possible” and expose dangers for Belarus stemming from Łukašenka’s loyalty to Putin, he noted. 

“They need to try to convey to all their partners and the Belarusian public how this can threaten Belarus, up to and including the loss of Belarusian independence,” the analyst stressed.