The Belarusian regime is betting on trade with the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories by Russia, turning this practice into a new stage of its economic strategy. As reported by the Foreign Intelligence Service, the visit of the "head" of the occupation administration of Kherson region to Minsk and his meeting with Lukashenka became a symbol of a new political reality in which the country found itself, UNN reports.
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The intelligence service noted that isolation after the 2020 protests and participation in the war on Moscow's side made Belarus a toxic partner for most markets. Minsk is trying to maintain the loading of enterprises through cooperation with Venezuela, Syria, North Korea, and now with the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. Such steps effectively legitimize Russian aggression and distance Belarus from a possible return to the world economy.
Economic statistics highlight vulnerability: in January-July, the foreign trade deficit reached $3.5 billion – almost one and a half times more than last year. Imports are growing faster than exports, demand for Belarusian goods is falling even in Russia
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Official Minsk, according to intelligence, proposes to develop agriculture and tourism in the occupied territories, but such a business depends on Russian subsidies and has no prospects for sustainable growth. In addition, it increases the risks of new sanctions and only deepens dependence on Moscow.
For Lukashenka, this is one of many concessions to the Kremlin – the price for political support and an attempt to keep the economy from further decline