Russian annexation of Belarus poses threat to NATO and Ukraine
Experts from ISW warn about 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) point out that Russian attempts at the de facto annexation of Belarus pose a significant strategic threat to the United States, NATO, and Ukraine.
The report states, "The Kremlin seeks the de facto annexation of Belarus by formalizing the 'Union State' as a Russian-dominated federal government, granting Moscow dominant power over most, if not all, aspects of Belarusian governance."
According to ISW, Moscow has already made significant progress in integrating with Belarus, which requires NATO to reassess the implications of increased Russian control over this country. Russia may 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, allowing the Kremlin to expand its influence on the international stage. The Kremlin intends to use its achievements in Belarus to offset the costs of a prolonged war with Ukraine, accelerate post-war reconstruction, and prepare for future conflicts, notes "Ukrainska Pravda," citing ISW analysts.
"The set of integrative actions that the Kremlin wants to implement with Belarus is so wide-ranging and comprehensive that it is easier to list what Moscow will control than what it will not control," the ISW analysts note.
"Russia does not need to achieve additional integration successes in Belarus to pose a threat to the West. The current military, political, and economic achievements of Russia in Belarus since 2020 already pose a threat that policymakers need to consider," emphasize ISW experts.
Russia has been using Belarusian territory since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russian troops entered Ukraine also from the territory of Belarus, and missile attacks were launched from this country, the Ukrainian press reminds.
Belarus served as a training and treatment ground for Russian soldiers, as well as a transit point for weapons and equipment. In the regions of Belarus bordering Ukraine and Poland, Russia conducts joint military exercises with Belarusian forces, including those concerning the use of tactical nuclear weapons.
Source: Ukrainska Pravda/ISW
